Barrel length on new build?

[MSLRHunter]

Looking for advice on barrel length for a new long range hunting rifle build. It will be built on a Rem 700 in 300 win mag. Should I go with a 24 or 26 inch barrel? I do reload, and the gun will only be used for long range whitetail deer hunting. Just curious to see what barrel length you guys prefer for hunting.

 

[trebark]

Do you plan to carry the rifle? or just set it up "here" and shoot over "there"?

If you plan to carry the rifle, 24 or 26" would be good and I would lean more towards 26.

If you plan on just setting up and shooting, the 300win mag would benefit from a 28 or 30" tube.

 

[MontanaRifleman]

I would say at least a 26" and a #7 countour or Sendero (#8) for a carry rifle. A little on the heavy side but not bad.

Mark

 

[johnnyk]

+1 what .280fan said. JohnnyK.

 

[Moman]

MSLRHunter, welcome to the site. I have been faced with this exact problem on a 300 WM that I am rebarreling. For me, I wanted a lightweight carry rifle for long days, but I didn't want to go too light and lose accuracy. I bought a Broughton 4.1 contour, just a little heavier than a factory 700 and plan to finish it at 25-26" I know I'll get a little more velocity out of the 26, but will probably go with the 25 to keep it a little shorter. I plan on shooting 180's in the 3000-3050 range.