taper vs accuracy

[cakgor]

What effect does barrel taper have on accuracy. Building a Mauser 98/.308....buying blank,have full machine shop.

 

[MontanaRifleman]

Generally speaking, the more mass your barrel has, the less susceptible it is to harmonics (whip). Also, the larger the cartridge, the more mass you want in your barrel... again, a harmonics thing. Sendero and Palma contours seem to usually produce very good accuracy.

 

[RockZ]

Here's an interesting study on fluted barrels
Varmint Al's Fluted Barrel Stiffness Analysis

 

[Mikecr]

There is another affect of contouring barrels; bore dimension changes.
With button rifled barrels, you need the lapping done -after contouring. This because bores grow with contouring them.
Little to no affect to cut rifled barrels -once up to stable shooting temps.
Hammer forged barrel bores actually shrink with contouring. This can work to provide choking toward the muzzle(taper bore), which can be beneficial.