330 Dakota barrel

[79m1a-texas]

What would be the preferred barrel twist for a 330 Dakota and which weight bullet? The current barrel has a 10.5" twist, 25" barrel with break and is .638" diameter at muzzle. Considering barrel replacement. Would like to stay in the 210-300g bullet weight.

 

[Idaho Trecker]

A 1:10 twist will do everything up to and including a 300 grain bullet but most companies are putting out 1:9.5 and 1:9.3 twist for some of the 300+ grain bullets. I built a 338 edge and opted for the 1:10 twist and am very happy with it but there is talk of a larger berger 338 bullet that may take a faster twist as would mono bullets. Does your rifle happen to be an actual Dakota? As for contour that is up to your intended purpose of a finished weight. Great choice on cartridge! I have a 300 Dakota and love it. I just wish there was a better source of brass as I have heard that hornady makes it for them these days but that's just what I've heard.

 

[79m1a-texas]

The rifle is a '77 Browning BBR that was re-barreled into the 330 Dakota chambering. I must have been lucky. Have 4 boxes of new brass in the original Dakota boxes and about another of 80 pieces of once fired. Set for awhile on brass.

 

[sable tireur]

Simple, quick calculations indicate that the 1:10.5" will be adequate for up to the Berger 300 gr. Elite Hunter as long as you play at the upper end of the velocity range. Moderate velocities will necessitate a faster twist. That's why most of the best barrel makers are suggesting the faster 1:9.5" twist rate.

My current rifle has the 1:10" twist rate but I'm shooting the slightly lower weight (ie. shorter) target bullets. My next barrel will be 1:8.7" twist for the maximum weight, significantly longer, target cartridges.

 

[coyotezapper]

My 330 Dakota has a 25" Bartlein #4. I went with a little heavier contour because of the titanium action used. #3B or 4 would be my recommendation. I shot the Berger 250 to begin with but on next hunt will either use the 260 Hammer or the Nosler 265 LRAB when it is released.