OK, I'm about ready to send in the Sako M995-TRGs for a custom barrel and a muzzle brake. This is the last step in completing a 2-year project. Originally I had planned to install a Schneider 5P barrel, and may still go that route. The last time I talked to George Gardner he recommended a Bartlein barrel as they had been shooting very well. I am also considering a Rock Creek or a Broughton barrel. I will go with a 1:10 twist and prefer 5P, 5C, or 5R style rifling. So what barrel would be best? Would there be any advantage to going with a chromoly over a stainless barrel?
Next dilema... What contour and length? I am looking for the best balance of performance, weight, and portability. I currently have a 26" barrel and think I would like to go a little longer, but, then again I also have to pack the thing up the mountains during elk season... It just seems like with a 26" barrel, I am not really tapping into the potential performance of the cartridge. As far as the contour goes, I am considering a 5, 5 1/2, or a light Palma contour. Mainly I would like the diameter at the muzzle to be between 0.7 and 0.8 inches. I'm not a big fan of the ultra light barrel contours. Any suggestions or advice on this matter?
Next... Fluting? Is it worth it? How much weight am I really going to cut? Will it have any effect on accuracy or any thing else (barrel cooling)?
And finally the muzzle brake... Any recommendations? I am leaning towards a baffle style brake without the holes in the bottom to kick up dust or snow. Also, I want a brake that is as compact and as 'pretty' as possible while still effectively reducing recoil. I'm pretty much used to shooting the 338 Lapua mag. without any brake, so whether the recoil is reduced by 35% or 50% is not that big of a deal to me, but I would at least like there to be a chance of me being able to spot the ocassional shot for myself.
Next dilema... What contour and length? I am looking for the best balance of performance, weight, and portability. I currently have a 26" barrel and think I would like to go a little longer, but, then again I also have to pack the thing up the mountains during elk season... It just seems like with a 26" barrel, I am not really tapping into the potential performance of the cartridge. As far as the contour goes, I am considering a 5, 5 1/2, or a light Palma contour. Mainly I would like the diameter at the muzzle to be between 0.7 and 0.8 inches. I'm not a big fan of the ultra light barrel contours. Any suggestions or advice on this matter?
Next... Fluting? Is it worth it? How much weight am I really going to cut? Will it have any effect on accuracy or any thing else (barrel cooling)?
And finally the muzzle brake... Any recommendations? I am leaning towards a baffle style brake without the holes in the bottom to kick up dust or snow. Also, I want a brake that is as compact and as 'pretty' as possible while still effectively reducing recoil. I'm pretty much used to shooting the 338 Lapua mag. without any brake, so whether the recoil is reduced by 35% or 50% is not that big of a deal to me, but I would at least like there to be a chance of me being able to spot the ocassional shot for myself.