Short, Fat Barrels Available?

[Salvo]

If you want a short/ fat barrel just wait until its 64 years old like me!

I'll have you know, sir, that I greatly resemble that remark!

[Salvo]

Salvo,

Never sell the M1A, you will regret it. On the other hand, why not hunt with it? It'll kill as far you need to shoot.

My brother has an older one in National Match configuration that he puts a scope on for shooting deer/coyotes across bean fields.

My M1A one of those "Scout Squad" models that has a picatinny block in the middle of the handguard, an 18" barrel and a muzzle brake.

The hunting guides here really hate to see a muzzle brake on account of the noise they make.

[JCalhoun]

Muzzle breaks suck a lot to those who are laying next to them.

[Werewolf]

I bought a 20" magnum contour barrel from McGowen in 7mm08 and I love it. I have it in a Duramaxx stock, and it is a tad heavy, but when you shoulder it the balance is perfect and it is very steady.

[Hotolds442]

I had PacNor rebarrel my 600 Remington into a then 338/08, now the 338 Federal in a half round/half octagon 18 1/2" barrel over ten years ago. That thing can shoot. I'm not sure what patent Federal can have on a wildcat round turned commercial, if any, but brass will always be available. It may not have a Federal headstamp, but as said, just run some 308 thru a 338 expander ball. This round will effectively take any animal in North America. Of all the ones you mentioned, it would be the one that would become your go-to gun.

[Salvo]

Is this what you are looking for?

It's a Savage Pre-Fit Small Shank, Varmint Contour, 20” length, 260 Rem, 1-10” rate of twist, 416R Stainless Steel, Threaded Barrel With Thread Cap

http://www.gunshack.com/barrels?product_id=651 (http://www.gunshack.com/barrels?product_id=651)

They are a paid advertiser on this forum as well.

I would need the magnum contour, the varmint contour won't fit my stock. My gun is from the Savage custom shop and the stock is wallered out for a magnum contour barrel.

I'm starting to think I might have better luck with a standard contour barrel that would have a little extra air space around it in the barrel channel. - Apparently the only 'magnum contour' barrels out there are for long action guns.

As you can see, the stock is optimized for the magnum contour.


Click image to see it larger

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff206/arwatch/Firearms/Custom%20Savage/th_IMG_1313.jpg (http://s239.photobucket.com/user/arwatch/media/Firearms/Custom%20Savage/IMG_1313.jpg.html)

[Bill C]

+1 on buying from pac nor. Im not a hunter and I'm not familiar with 338 federal. I can say though that a 20" barrel for a .308 will be very effecient.

Bill

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[m12lrs]

I would need the magnum contour, the varmint contour won't fit my stock. My gun is from the Savage custom shop and the stock is wallered out for a magnum contour barrel.

I'm starting to think I might have better luck with a standard contour barrel that would have a little extra air space around it in the barrel channel. - Apparently the only 'magnum contour' barrels out there are for long action guns.

As you can see, the stock is optimized for the magnum contour.


Click image to see it larger

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff206/arwatch/Firearms/Custom%20Savage/th_IMG_1313.jpg (http://s239.photobucket.com/user/arwatch/media/Firearms/Custom%20Savage/IMG_1313.jpg.html)

For elk and mulies in those wide open spaces in a short action I would look at a 6.5 saum or 300 wsm. A 26" number 3 or 4 contour. Don't need a heavy barrel. One shot should do the job. Who cares what the barrel channel looks.like. for sure it.should be free floated.

[Newsshooter]

1:10 Twist will spin the 140's just fine in .260.

You sure about that, everyone I know shooting a .260 in matches has a 8 or 8.5 twist barrel for 130 to 142 grains.

[m12lrs]

You sure about that, everyone I know shooting a .260 in matches has a 8 or 8.5 twist barrel for 130 to 142 grains.

Plug in your numbers

http://www.bergerbullets.com/twist-rate-stability-calculator-updated/

[Ryfulman]

Of the chamberings you mentioned I'd go with the 338. You've already got a 243 which will take down medium sized game and the 338 will take down the bigger game.
I just feel the smaller calibers have too much overlap. Might as well go big and cover all the bases.
Jmo

[Newsshooter]

Plug in your numbers

http://www.bergerbullets.com/twist-rate-stability-calculator-updated/

I plugged in my numbers for the 140 match, most of the guys shooting a 6.5 CM or a .260 have similar setups, this was the result from the berger calculator,
Your bullet is UNSTABLE.
The bullet is unstable. Expect bad accuracy, tumbling bullets, and keyholes in targets.

[squirrel_slayer]

I had jim at apache gun works build me a 18.5" .308 with a contour between a lite varmint and heavy mag that i've been very pleased with. haven't worked up a load yet and it has proven to be sub moa already. one thing I may add is barrel contour isn't everything balance plays a big part in my opinion. i've had rifles that weigh more feel lighter due to balance. as to cartridge selection .308 is everywhere and if hand loaded can do quite a bit I loaded a 208gr a-max and achieved 2469 avg (only sent 3 over the chrono to conserve ammo only loaded 20) no signs of pressure but they are single feed 2.960" took them straight to the 600yd line and was getting consistant hits on 12x14 steel. was windy and they were much better than the 168's I usually shoot

[foxx]

^^^ I agree. For hunting, balance is key, and the .308 is especially good with shorter barrels, especially for hunting and tactical.

[Dennis]

Of the calibers that you mentioned there is only one that I would consider....338 Federal. It is by far the most under-rated short action round in existence. It is absolutely phenomenal for what you want to do with it in the barrel length that you have chosen. Compare it's ballistics to the 30-06 and the 7mm Rem. Mag. The 200 grain .338 caliber bullet and the .308 case capacity are pure magic together.

I 100% totally agree, and it can be built to your specs with no problems.

[RC20]

Caliber and velocity are an issue for Elk, 338 Federal of your choices the best bet/

Go with a Heavy Sporter or even a light sport, get more length (26 inches is good, ) and save the weight there.

Its a one or two shot type hunt, most are, and you don't have to worry about barrel warp.

Elk tend to be 250 to 450 yd shots. 7mm Rem Magnum is a good one for that stuff.

Bullets out there need all the velocity they can get to perform best, it helps the trajectory as well.

To maintain velocity you would be looking at 160s or 180 at most.

26 in 308 Hand loaded up to max with R17 would get you a bullet up as well.