7mm rem mag - proof sendero lite or #3 steel barrel?

[cb4128]

I'm in the process of gathering parts for a 7mm rem mag build and wanted to see if anyone had some input on barrel contours.

I have a stock that can fit up to a sendero lite barrel, but I originally wanted to just go with a #3 steel barrel.

From an accuracy potential standpoint, is there going to be a difference between a sendero lite contour and a #3 steel brux barrel?

I have heard with magnums and the lite contour it can be a little finicky. According to specs, they're about identical in weight with a 24" finished length - both listed at 3 lbs.

Planning on shooting 143gr hammer hunters, 160 accubonds and 180gr berger hybrids.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Shane Lindsey]

I have a few carbons. No longer a Proof, so take it FWIW. The Proof did not seem to walk. Sometimes they will walk point of impact if heated up-my 7mag with a Helix Six does. Cold bore is good and follow up, but any after need to cool a bit. My others (CarbonSix) one will not and the other does walk. Not sure why this is. I am not a believer that the carbon wrap dissipates heat but rather is acts like a sleeping bag.

If hunting only, it works. Load dev just has to be slow. It is nice to put your hands on the carbon vice steel when it is cold out.

 

[Capt Call]

I have a few carbons. No longer a Proof, so take it FWIW. The Proof did not seem to walk. Sometimes they will walk point of impact if heated up-my 7mag with a Helix Six does. Cold bore is good and follow up, but any after need to cool a bit. My others (CarbonSix) one will not and the other does walk. Not sure why this is. I am not a believer that the carbon wrap dissipates heat but rather is acts like a sleeping bag.

If hunting only, it works. Load dev just has to be slow. It is nice to put your hands on the carbon vice steel when it is cold out.

Have the same issue with 2 shots then cool.
If it's just for hunting carbon will be ok.

 

[tonyf3]

When i built my 7mm, and when i talked my smith about re-barrel my 7mm, he advised me both times if i was going with carbon to go with the sendero and not lite sendero with a magnum.

I was given the same advice to go with the sendero contour on 300 re-barrel with a different gunsmith.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

I have the Carbon Six Sendero (like a Proof Lite I think) in 308 win. It walks a touch.

My RUM is the Cabin Six Magnum. It does better. It is also a RUM, so shooting slow is a given for me. It doesn't walk as bad as my others though.

I would say go larger contour if going carbon, weight difference is minimal.

My Proof was a Sendero in 300WM and it did not walk. This will replace my Helix Six on my 7mag.

 

[tonyf3]

to add context to your steel question. My choice was not about weight but muzzle brake.
my original 300 build i went with a steel barrel, it was a 3B bartlien. It was barrel heavy at 4lbs and i wanted to drop down to something closer to 3lbs. I was told all things being equal the brake would be more effective because the diameter of the cabon barrel was larger, ie. the baffle size increases due to larger diameter of the carbon barrel. Assuming you are going for at least some flush look.
This feedback appears accurate. I shot at 3 port 90degree brake with my 300 and have the same 3 port design on a proof. I feel some difference. It's not a night and day difference but i can shoot more rounds in a range session with less pain the next day

 

[Shane Lindsey]

I never knew bigger baffles made for better reduction. Makes sense.

If going CF-go bigger. Sendero if your barrel channel will allow. If it is narrower then go smaller.

 

[Greenheadjed]

A friend of mine has a 7mm Wby with a Proof Sendero Lite and I did the load development for it. First eight loads I put through it averaged just over .4". Rifle shoots lights out and doesn't walk. I'm going to rebarrel a rifle of mine with the same barrel in the same caliber.

 

[Kimber7man]

I'll be different and suggest a Bartlein #4 CFW barrel

 

[AZHTR]

I'll be different and suggest a Bartlein #4 CFW barrel

^^^^^^ this is what I bought for my 7 Mag. This was strongly suggested by Bartlein Barrels

 

[Mark37082]

It's always good to have choices. My GS recommends Bartlein CF for consistent accuracy, but Proof for weight and looks. I'm going with Proof Sendero for a custom build, but will probably go with Bartlein CF when I replace the telephone pole steel barrel on my Bergara 7RM. That 7RM weighs over 12lb with the steel barrel. It's great for range work, but too heavy to hunt with.

 

[lancetkenyon]

I'll be different and suggest a Bartlein #4 CFW barrel

This.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

I'll be different and suggest a Bartlein #4 CFW barrel

Where do you find the contours for the Bartlein's? I can't find it on the website.

Blank contour underneath the carbon is what I am interested in. I see they have ready made that state No4, but not sure if that is the steel under the carbon or the contour after the carbon is laid on.

 

[AZHTR]

(Sorry for the lengthy answer - I was a Bartlein fan before calling them)

Shane, I ended up calling Bartlein at the number below. I was actually trying to find a #2 contour steel barrel (I was not a Carbon barrel guy) and what vendors/suppliers would be getting some. They searched their database and told me who had them in stock and who was going to be getting some and when.

I explained my rifle build with a very knowledgeable and informative gentleman. He spent time with me explaining their Carbon wrapping, barrel machining and finishing process. After that conversation I was convinced I wanted their CW #4 barrel and he told me who had one in stock.

Extremely Helpful.