Hunting & Fishing Barrel contours for hunting

[Rifle Barrel Blanks]

If I were to build a 338 WM for a good all around alaska hunting rifle should I get a short and fatter barrel or should I get a longer and skinnier barrel considering weights being the same. I was think about 22 inches verses 26 inches. I will be shooting the 225 grain Nosler accubond at a mild 2700 FPS or thereabouts. Thanks for the help.

 

[Sendero_Man]

Re: Barrel contours for hunting

I personally would go with the 26" barrel. More length to burn the slower powders for the magnums.

just my thoughts...

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: Barrel contours for hunting

two inches of brake brings it back to 26".....

 

[CoCaDoRi]

Re: Barrel contours for hunting

depends on how high and hard you're going...

weight is an issue at altitude..

338 is it necessary? There are alot of other calibers that deliver what the 338 does without the punishment and possibly in a lighter package...

Bit to answer you question I'm on board w/sendero man

 

[Rifle Barrel Blanks]

Re: Barrel contours for hunting

Going to alaska next summer/fall on a hunt. I would like to take one gun. Moose,elk,brown bear, and maybe caribou if lucky and have enough time. I have a 270WSM loaded with 150's that would do fine for some of those animal but not all. My dad is taking his 30/06 but that is because he does not want to build another rifle.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Barrel contours for hunting

I like the idea of a big slug where bears are involved, preferably something .358" diameter and built like a truck. Maybe a .35 Whelen?

Greg

 

[Rifle Barrel Blanks]

Re: Barrel contours for hunting

Greg, I might have to reach out and touch an elk or caribou so I would still like a fairly effecient round. I though the 338 would be a good compromise.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Barrel contours for hunting

I think you're right. Hadn't thought past the 'bear' part. I get real antsy when bears are in the equation. Sometimes I wonder if <span style="font-style: italic">any</span> round is big enough when the bear is really pissed. Adrenaline and a significant portion of a ton of bear is one impressive combination.

Greg

 

[Cinch]

Re: Barrel contours for hunting

I would put a 24" sporter weight or maybe one size bigger. You will only lose a little velocity and cut down some weight. If you were to buy a factory rifle to take, I would get one in a Tikka T3.

 

[johngfoster]

Re: Barrel contours for hunting

How much does 2", or 4" of barrel weigh? Not that much, I would think. I would personally go with the longer barrel. But that's just me.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Barrel contours for hunting

No it doesn't weigh much, but it can be unwieldy in close brush, and can have effects on balance that some may find annoying.

My hunters all have 22" or shorter barrels. My hunting environs don't present especially long shots, and I'm no great shakes on longer shots, either. I'd consider 200yd my limit for an unhurried offhand shot, and 70yd for a mover. My brush gun is a Win '94AE .44Mag 16" trapper carbine. It's wieldy and effective.

Greg

 

[Tomcat088]

Re: Barrel contours for hunting

I definitely don't know as much as a lot of people on this forum, but I've been really pleased with my 26" Remington Sendero countour for my .300 WSM. It's not front heavy and balances well, although it is long because it's 26". I get good velocity out of it, and I'm sure you could with your .338 as well. It's heavy enough, but not too heavy; it doesn't shift POI when it gets warm, although since it's a Krieger, that says a lot. I think it's something that you should consider.

There's always another option, you could go with something like this. http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek092.html . I know lots of guys aren't so big on the carbon wrapped barrels, but when weight is an issue, I think they should seriously be considered. The one on 6mmbr and in that video is a FINE rifle.

 

[30cal user]

Re: Barrel contours for hunting

24", #4.5 taper w/ 250 grain TSX in 338 WM would be perfect for this hunt, IMHO...

 

[18Echo]

Re: Barrel contours for hunting

I'm having a .338-06 done up (if you are thinking of .338 win mag look at this chambering) and with Krieger in .338 caliber you can only go #5 as the smallest profile in SS, which is what you want for AK.

If you plan on shooting within 400 yards, I would look at the .338-06. less kick and relatively close on the numbers with the win mag.

Read this article here: .338-06 for North American Game

 

[THUNDERBOLT68]

Re: Barrel contours for hunting

use barnes 225 triple shock seat 50 - 70 thousands from lands 24 inch # 5 contour will be fine i do not think they have elk in alaska but they do have caribou

 

[Rifle Barrel Blanks]

Re: Barrel contours for hunting

They have big elk in alaksa. Roosevelt. I think #5 contour might be perfect.

 

[mauritz45]

Re: Barrel contours for hunting

if cost is not an option, look at a carbon fiber wrapped barrel. rock barrel uses ABS, as do others. pricey, but oh so nice-cam

 

[30cal user]

Re: Barrel contours for hunting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 18Echo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm having a .338-06 done up (if you are thinking of .338 win mag look at this chambering) and with Krieger in .338 caliber you can only go #5 as the smallest profile in SS, which is what you want for AK.

If you plan on shooting within 400 yards, I would look at the .338-06. less kick and relatively close on the numbers with the win mag.

Read this article here: .338-06 for North American Game </div></div>

the 160 gr is the sweet bullet for this round, check out the ballistics....

 

[strick9]

Re: Barrel contours for hunting

Twenty inches is all you need in a mag contour. Light, swings through brush and whats a loss of 60-100fps matter inside of 500, nada. A long barrell on your back sucks in thick shit. Besides twenty inchers are more accurate ;0.