Input on 7mm Dakota barrel options

[craigf]

In the process of putting a list of components together for a 7mm Dakota. I'll be using a stiller predator long action in left hand. I would like some input on barrel manufactures, length of barrel, and contour. I'm thinking 1 in 9 or faster, and possibly a med palma barrel. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Will be used as a heavy carry hunting rifle. Thanks, Craig

 

[yomill]

I had Nate from SSG build a rifle in 7mmDakota for me a few years ago. It is very very accurate and a great example what custom rifles should be. I used a Bartlein fluted barrel with a heavy sporter contour. The twist is 1-9 with the 5R rifling which was made famous by Boots Obermeyer from Obermeyer rifle barrels in Wisconsin. There are quite a few folks producing very good barrels out there and even though wait times have gotten better your challenge will be the lag time to have your smith receive the barrel. I prefer cut rifling, but that's just me. Folks who come to mind are Bartlein, Krieger, and Obermeyer for your barrel. I am sure others are also good, but I know all three of these outfits offer 5R rifling. Load information is a bit scarce. With the recent availability of Norma powders, I have started working on some loads with MRP. Initial results are very promising.
Good luck with your project, you will need lots of patience.

 

[yomill]

Sorry, just looked back at your original thread. My barrel is 25" with one of Nate's muzzle breaks in totals 26". Since the rifle has some weight to it, I probably didn't need the break but as I get older I am finding recoil more bothersome at the range. In the field, no big deal if you do your par,t it should be a one shot story

 

[Stumpm2]

I have a 7mm Dakota with a 1 in 9" twist 5R Bartlein barrel also finished at 26" #6 contour. I got the 5R rifling because they are suppose to be easier on thin jacketed bullets. I got 1 in 9" twist so I could shoot the 180 grain Bergers but I have found out I like the 168s better and have been working with the new 168 grain Accubond LR. I have only used Retumbo, but velocity and accuracy have been great.

 

[yomill]

Great info,and I originally told Nate I was going to concentrate on Bergers. I have been working with 160gr Northforks as an elk bullet. They are very very pricey, especially for load work up. Having said that, elk hunts aren't cheap. Bullets can be a challenge for tuning in for acceptable accuracy, but they are a hard hitting
affair. Attending SHOT here in Las Vegas next week, should be interesting. I know that many folks from Long Range Hunting will be there. Just wish there was a good way to hook up.

 

[Stumpm2]

I wasn't completely happy with the terminal effects of the Bergers. I shot a five point bull elk with the Accubond LRs and a mule deer buck this fall. So far they are looking like the will perform well.

 

[JeffVN]

I have a 7 Dakota, with a 1:9 tube from Bartlein. Shoots great and runs the Berger 180s, Sierra 180s, and Cauterucio 189s like no body's business.

Lots of barrel makers might be acceptable. I prefer cut barrels, specifically Krieger and Bartlein. Boots Obermeyer would also be good.

Jeffvn