barrel contours standard or no

Can someone shed some light on the barrel contour numbers for me please? I have a Lilja #4 at 22" .284. would a #3 be X lighter or too light from them?? Would a bartlein #4 be the same?? Or does each maker have slightly different specs and measurement system. I was interested originally in a proof 22'' sendero light but they didn't produce it for a long long time. I am very happy after a few trips afield but it is a little nose heavy. I have one more custom build for my son so we can have matching .280 AI but he is slighter and a little shorter than I am. What would you go with or to given my parameters? Thanks!

All you can do is compare profiles from one maker to another.
Look at the shank size, then the mid point size. and last the muzzle diameter at the length you want or the dimension given at the furnished dimension.

Normally each manufacture has his own contour numbers on a chart for ease of sizing. Some even have factory contours available if you just want to keep the same contour as the rifle had from the factory.

Most blanks come in lengths that finish to a certain length. (Like a 26'' finish length will be 27'' from the maker allowing for trimming and crowning, if you cut it to 22'' the muzzle will be larger buy the taper/per inch.

Use the barrel you have for a reference and add or subtract dimensions from it and then look for a profile/contour that closely matches your numbers.

PS: I would recommend a #4 or a #5 Lilja contour for the 280.

J E CUSTOM

adk hunter said:

Can someone shed some light on the barrel contour numbers for me please?

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Each barrel mfg will have a contour chart on their website. You need to study those charts and it will light things up for you.

I have a Lilja #4 at 22" .284. would a #3 be X lighter or too light from them??

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No, it would not be too light. Looking at their chart, there will be less than 3 ounces difference.

Would a bartlein #4 be the same?? Or does each maker have slightly different specs and measurement system.

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A #4 Bartlein contour fits between a #6 & #7 Lilja. Most of them will have their own specs. That is why you need to study the charts on their websites. The only ones I know of that are the same is, Brux uses the same chart as Krieger.

I have one more custom build for my son so we can have matching .280 AI but he is slighter and a little shorter than I am. What would you go with or to given my parameters? Thanks!

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My choice would be a Krieger Chromoly #2. Krieger will only make a 7mm barrel in that contour from Chromoly.

About the only contours that seem to be consistent between makers are the Remington Varmint/Sendero, and Palmas, the bulk of my barrel purchased over the past ten years. For most of the others with numerical labels, I will check the actual contour measurements usually shown on the makers site.

Thank you gentlemen!

adk hunter said:

Can someone shed some light on the barrel contour numbers for me please? I have a Lilja #4 at 22" .284. would a #3 be X lighter or too light from them?? Would a bartlein #4 be the same?? Or does each maker have slightly different specs and measurement system. I was interested originally in a proof 22'' sendero light but they didn't produce it for a long long time. I am very happy after a few trips afield but it is a little nose heavy. I have one more custom build for my son so we can have matching .280 AI but he is slighter and a little shorter than I am. What would you go with or to given my parameters? Thanks!

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Only you can decide for yourself and your specific application.

Basic physics tells us heavier is steadier and steadier is more accurate but there's a mulititude of factors that determine what is appropriate for your own specific needs and application.

I don't want thin, light, whippy barrels for anything but I'm not a sheep hunter.

If you are packing a rifle for days at a time in rought country, you don't want a sendero or heavier in most cases.

If you're shootin prairie dogs in Montana you probably don't want your sheep rifle and on, and on, and on.

Personally for most things something along the lines of the magnum bull sporter contour is my choice. It's about halfway between a normal factory magnum contour and the sendero.

I like heavier barrels because most of my hunting is done from the Truck or from places where I have relatively short walks and I will either been shooting from a really solid sitting position or standing with sticks, off trees, etc.

Due to a lot of nerve damage in my neck shoulder and left arm, I'm pretty shaky and the heavier rifle helps keep me much steadier.

Consider your needs, your application/style of hunting and by all means if you can, get your hands on many different models and at least go through various shooting positions with them even if it's down at the sporting goods store and make your own best decision.