Stevens action which contour

[jsthntn247]

I've got a .223 Stevens that shoots very well. I hate to use it for something else, but I hardly ever shoot it. I have a full custom .308 that I use for long range f/tr but right down the road from me a place holds 300 yard f/tr matches monthly. I am thinking about getting a pre-fit mcgowan to put on the .223 action for the short range matches so I don't burn up my barrel and .50$ bullets. I want the barrel to be 28" but can't decide b/t a bull or varmint contour. The matches are 3 rounds at 15 shots in 17 minutes. Is the Stevens action strong enough for a 28" full bull and would a Varmint contour be heavy enough for that rate of fire?

[bootsmcguire]

Varmint should do no problem, but if you want heavier you could go full bull. My 6-WSM is a small shank and only tapers to .990" at the muzzle IIRC, it is almost a full bull and works great.

[kschilling]

jsthntn247 - You would not have any issues with either barrel on a Stevens action. I've run and built several. Don't worry about it.

[JCalhoun]

I agree. The action will take whatever barrel contour you want to buy.

For a 300y .223 I'd consider doing a fast twist in 24 or 26 inches. The longer barrels will need slower powder to make the most of them and the .223 case is already small. You may have better performance staying shorter.