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Guys I'd like your opinion on barrel contours you've used to build hunting/carry guns. It seems like some of the barrels with a .7 muzzle end up too heavy and yet sporter contours are a bit light. I'm looking at a 22-24" barrel for walking and hunting coyotes.
What's been your favorite barrel contour?
Heavy sporter for me.
Trailrider, I was considering that contour. Thanks for the input
I like the Shilen #4 contour I put on my Axis build which at 23" has a muzzle diameter of 0.685". Factory 22" sporter barrels are generally 0.550" @ the muzzle and factory varmint barrels are 0.800" @ the muzzle. Ideally I think something between 0.600 and 0.700" is best, and which end of that range you fall on could depend on bore diameter (larger bore = closer to 0.700" muzzle)
Personally my favorite so far is my SS fluted Savage varmint barrel. Its about .800 at the muzzle, but the flutes seem to give it a similar weight to a 24" Magnum contour barrel I used to have. I tend to go bigger and longer with my rigs, even my walking rigs. I think Jim hit the nail on the head with .650 to .700 being the magic numbers.
I plan to put together a .224 caliber walkabout rifle in the next year or so, and a 26" with a muzzle of .650" is probably going to be the route I take.
I think you guys have nailed it. I had settled on a #4 contour but wanted to hear from experience what has worked for you. Looks like most #4's are around .65 which should be perfect. I'm leaning towards a 24".
I think its a great choice and you'll be happy with it.
The hard part is finding a barrel that doesn't take 4 months to get ahold of!
My 20in ER Shaw is a standard sporter in .300 Savage. I much prefer the shorter barrels carrying in the truck and stalking.
Shilen #4 has been my favorite as well.