.308 barrel contour vs rifle weight

[Gota6.5]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to work out the dimensions for a new barrel to go on my Tikka T3 laminated. I'm reasonably new to longer range, so am hoping to get some help with this.

I will be hunting deer from the size of your antelope up to the size of mule deer, out to about 600yds. I hunt high in rough country all back backing, therefore weight is a bit of an issue. I'm a fit guy, but lugging a 13lb rifle doesn't appeal to me.

My last rifle was a trued 700 with a #2 shilen 260 tube, and McMillan hunters edge stock and 3.5-10 leupold. It weighed 7lb all up and was a joy to carry, but hard to shoot accurately due to balance and the fairly decent (for me) recoil.

Ultimately, my question is: what is a good length and contour barrel for my T3 to achieve a good compromise between portability and accuracy?

What is a good weight for an accurate yet portable .308 that won't smash me round with recoil?

Thanks heaps,

Nick

 

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

Well in my opinion with a max range of 600m why not consider a 20" barrel with a muzzle around .750 and have it fluted. You will give up a little speed but at 600m I don't suspect its enough to matter. Ditch the factory stock and go with a manners t1 or McMillan m40.

Jon

 

[Bart B]

I'd use a 24 inch medium weigh barrel that ain't fluted.

For a contour, 1.1 inch diameter at the back for 2 inches, then taper down for 2 inches to .85 inch diameter, then a straight taper to the muzzle that's .70 inch diameter.

I can calculate for you its weight as well as resonant frequency so other barrels could be compared for stiffness, too. Higher frequency equals stiffer barrel. But I wouldn't get up tight about barrel stiffness, each onel whips at its same frequency for every shot.; doesn't change with your load, your diet or what color the target is.