Gunsmithing Barrel selection help

[djp0623]

Need help with respect to barrel length and contour for a hunting rifle. My research here suggests that any one of these will be fine as far as manufacturers are concerned. Does a suppressor sticking off the end warrant a slightly thicker barrel to minimize flex?

Base: Rem 798 (Mauser 98 action) 300WM I know, get a rem 700 and take advantage of the accurizing group buy
I plan to have Mark Skaggs do the work on the action and fit the barrel.

Primary Goal: 8-9lb (scoped) hunting rifle
Secondary Goal: Target shooting (~600yds)


Stock: High Tech Specialties
Scope Leupold VX6 2-12

Shooter: Novice; However, 3" "hunting groups" at 100yds are unacceptable. I can get my FNAR to cloverleaf or better at 100yds with handloads

I'm unsure about what finished length is acceptable with a given starting length. I will be switching back and forth between a muzzle break and suppressor. I was thinking a 24" finished length.

Barrel Options:

All barrels are 1-10 twist

Benchmark 5R, #4 fluted, 27", $395
Bartlein #3, 5R, 26", $335 (.670 at muzzle and 3.5lbs)
Brux #3, 28", $315 (.630 at muzzle 3lbs)
Hart #5.5 fluted, 28" $315 backordered .750 at muzzle 4.5 lbs)
Kreiger #4.5, 27" $325 backordered
Shilen #5 sporter, 28", $300 backordered
Douglas Premium XX airgauged #4, $335

Time is not of the essence, so I can afford to wait a while.

 

[nso123]

What caliber will it be? That will help on the barrel length question.

 

[djp0623]

What caliber will it be? That will help on the barrel length question.

Sorry about that. 300WM......... I had a nice post written up, then I managed to delete the entire thing. The rewrite is never as good

 

[nso123]

If you are going to run a can on it, keep in mind that you will need the muzzle diameter large enough to accommodate threading. I would consider something like a Bartlein #4 contour. 24" would work with the 300WM. With that barrel, you should be able to achieve your weight goal.

 

[swampbuck]

Your numbers are kinda screwed up. Harts run 315 unfluted. You need to select the size and if you want flutes, then narrow down your manufacturer. They all pretty much will make each others contours but I think #5 is the smallest Krieger makes in a 30. I would go with a #5 contour according to the sizes that Hart and Douglas use. Bartlien size would be a #4. Can't remember Kroger and Brux chart off the top of my head. The sizes aren't standardized and very between companies.