Hunting rifle - what barrel profile is light but rigid enough for short strings at the range

[rulellis]

I want a fairly light hunting rifle, but my pencil barrel groups open up typically after 2-3 shots - at least in my Kimber 84M in .243 and Remington 700 in 30-06 with pencil barrels. I have a custom rifle with a 3B hawk hill barrel on it in a 300 WM that shoots strings plenty well, but I would like to know if I can go lighter than that (without going carbon wrapped), and be able to take 5 shot strings without the opening up. I am not looking for a range gun, just a hunting rifle that I can practice with without quite as much waiting between shots.

This would be for a mountain hunting rig - I'm thinking likely 280AI or perhaps a 270WSM. Would be primarily a sheep (if I ever get drawn) and mule deer gun.

 

[JMGlasgow]

I would think a good quality barrel sporter barrel will shoot 5 shot strings without walking the shots.

FWIW, my 700 CDL 30-06 with the factory sporter barrel will shoot 5 rounds into 1/2" or less regularly.

 

[KPK]

Try a 2 and let us know!

 

[brianf]

Bartlein 3b

 

[XTREM HTR16]

Bartlein 3 doesn’t walk on a 5 shot string. Well, my GAP doesn’t....

 

[Kadams1563]

A friend just built a Defiance, sendero, manners combo that came in a little heavy at 8lbs but it’s in a PRS style stock.

 

[cwinston]

I’ve used Bartlein #3s on three of my rifles and have not seen any issues at the range with reasonable usage. I have a #2B on hand to try on the next one.

 

[PatrickChewing]

Like others have said, zero troubles on my Bart #3 on a 6.5 SAUM.

 

[Oregonmuley]

I've done a couple lighter weight hunting rifles and had good results using the Bartlein 2b contour. It a good option for a hunting rifle IMHO.

 

[rulellis]

I appreciate all the information. I think the 2b seems like the way to go. Then when it works well, I'll have a reason to try the 2 next time. Thank you for all the input.

 

[XLR308]

Damn I was thinking medium Palma at 24" as light enough and a good compromise for strings of fire.

 

[doogie_howitzer]

Damn I was thinking medium Palma at 24" as light enough and a good compromise for strings of fire.

Medium Palma is definitely heavier than 3B contour. If he wants a true mountain rig I think this would be too heavy.

 

[XLR308]

Medium Palma is definitely heavier than 3B contour. If he wants a true mountain rig I think this would be too heavy.

I totally agree, was being somewhat sarcastic.
The rem varmint and medium Palma seem like light weights if your used to an M24 profile or similar.

 

[goinghunting]

Seems like after the first 4 or 5 miles I don't even notice the Rem Varmint weight.

 

[b6graham]

proof? serious answer