Help me with my sheep rifle

[Usmcinfantry1988]

hey guys as I mentioned in another thread I'm currently modifying my Winchester model 70 classic sporter in LH to be my sheep/goat rifle. I have a brown pounder on order should have it in my hands soon. got some hammers on the way but I'm going to upgrade from the factory barrel. I have went way down the rabbit hole here with barrels and could use some assistance. so it has to be stainless and a 1 in 8 twist 24 inch finish length but have talked to brux and they said the smallest contour that can be fluted is a number 4 and the smallest contour non fluted they could do in 7mm is a number 3. I don't want to go too light say featherweight type barrel but also don't want too heavy either. do you guys have any barrel contour and manufacture recommendation you think would work good on this rifle. I'm not against carbon if its really the cats meow like some claim they are ha ha. I know barrel manufactures are crazy backlogged right now , most of the cut rifle barrels are at least 6 months out , the only company that had short turnaround is Douglas of course buttoned but have never used one myself. Thanks guys !

 

[Mclovin21]

I went with a 24in carbon x-caliber barrel on my sheep build in the new 6.8 western and couldn't be more pleased with x-calibers barrels and a super fair price! My gun smith might even have one left in stock

 

[Usmcinfantry1988]

Mclovin im going to check out there right now and see if I can get an estimated weight ! How's the carbon fiber do with say working up a load at the range , I mean this is strictly a hunting rifle but would need to work up loads here and there which would require some range time, in your experience does it get hotter faster or cool faster ? Thanks man !

 

[Mclovin21]

I haven't put enough through mine in one period of time to get it super hot I got lucky and the round I broke the barrel in with shot amazing so there was plenty of time for cooling while I cleaned the barrel after each shot

 

[Slick8]

I'd go with the number 3 brux un-fluted or a sendero light proof if carbon is desired.

I've had a couple of CF barrels and currently have one.

Here's my opinion on them and some info gained from my smith.

They shoot equally well as compared to a steel barrel of equal weight. So a sendero profle proof which is close to a light Palma contour will shoot similar to that #4 non-fluted brux. They're typically a little more sensitive to loading with a more narrow node. They heat up like any other barrel but you don't feel it the same as CF is a poor conductor of heat. The breach and muzzle act like hear sinks which is where the heat energy will flow to.

Additionally, fluting gains nothing in accuracy and little in weight reduction. I'd that's the goal get the thinner barrel.

Having said that I have similar to a 4 brux with micro flutes as I like the look.

This rifle loaded with bipod weighs just under 10 pounds and I had no issue carrying it for miles on my NM elk hunt. IMO, a quality pack which holds your rifle securely along with good back and shoulder conditioning will compensate for an extra pound or two of rifle.

 

[lancetkenyon]

I had a Bartlein #3b fluted. You can always contact Long Rifles Inc. and ask them what the minimum contour is they will flute. I have had them do work for me before and was very happy with the results.

Bartlein also has a #4 contour carbon fiber barrel.

 

[257WHBY13]

I went with a Brux # 3 for my 300 Win on model 70 , Kevin @ Weaver Rifles built it, it's right at 8 lbs w VX -3 - 4.5 x 14. Sheep Hunter stock

 

[Usmcinfantry1988]

Seems like Brux number 3 might be the way to go ! I'm running swaro z5 3.5-18x44 with brown pounder ! Hopefully the 3 will be what I'm looking for ! Thanks guys

 

[dogz]

I have a M70/WSM action with a 7 WSM on it cut to 23" with a Brux barrel. I think it's about a #3, just can't recall. It's about .65" @ the muzzle.

It shoots balls out!

Presently, I have a McM compact with Edge fill on it. But, I have one of D'Arcy's Legend handles with Edge fill waiting in the wings to go on it.

Great little round, mine loves the 140 Berg and the 168 LRAB.

 

[dogz]

for a quick turn on a good barrel give Lilja a call

and pardon my poor memory, but where is your sheep hunt and goat hunt booked for?

 

[Usmcinfantry1988]

Brooks range , haven't booked goat yet , I'm checking out Lila now , seems like I had a 3 groove 30-06 barrel from them that was a sweet barrel.

 

[dogz]

pretty sure they will take any blank you wish and turn it and get back to you in short order. Seems to me I speak with Carson when I call there.

The Brooks would more than likely be my choice as well, what year are you booked for?

 

[Usmcinfantry1988]

Big game big country 2023

 

[dogz]

Awesome