Gunsmithing lightweight, short-barrel .308 - what contour?

[azimutha]

I have a KMW stock with the IMB (integrated mounting block) and am very happy with action/barrel I had built to fit it. However, weight is an issue and I'm thinking of doing a second action/barrel build for hunting. Since that's the purpose, shots would only be out to 400 yards max.

Can I go down to 16" on the barrel and should I stick with a varmint contour? Perhaps get it fluted 6-8"? I want the barrel to weigh under three pounds. Could I get away with a lighter contour, given the barrel will be so short?

 

[2156SMK]

Re: lightweight, short-barrel .308 - what contour?

Look at model 7's and see if you like the way one feels.
Realistically, just get a hunting gun and leave your heavy gun alone.
If you drop a lightweight barreled action into that stock, it's gonna be way butt-heavy and you probably won't like it in the field.

Here is my $400 pawn shop special Remington 788 with it's factory 18.5" barrel chambered in 308:

 

[JJones75]

Re: lightweight, short-barrel .308 - what contour?

I have a 16" light palma conture , 1-10 twist tight bore from Bartlein on my 308 working gun , its pretty light and shoots to 800 with factory blackhills 175's

It barks pretty loud without the can but i rarely ever shoot it unsuppressed

 

[ranger1183]

Re: lightweight, short-barrel .308 - what contour?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2156SMK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Look at model 7's and see if you like the way one feels.
Realistically, just get a hunting gun and leave your heavy gun alone.
If you drop a lightweight barreled action into that stock, it's gonna be way butt-heavy and you probably won't like it in the field.

Here is my $400 pawn shop special Remington 788 with it's factory 18.5" barrel chambered in 308:

</div></div>
that's a dang nice rifle for $400! How's it shoot for you? I really like those old Remington 788's. I think it's a great design that I wish they still made.

 

[rdinak]

Re: lightweight, short-barrel .308 - what contour?

The shorter you go the lighter contour you can work with. If weight is a main concern drop down to a #3 or #4 contour.

I have a #3 contour, 22" lightweight .280 that shoots great until it heats up.

You dont need a heavy barrel for a hunting rifle that is carried more than shot. Back when I lived in Alaska there was a saying amongst sheep hunters. Guy with the lightest rifle gets the biggest sheep..

And then there are carbon fiber wrapped barrels that are way cool..

 

[azimutha]

Re: lightweight, short-barrel .308 - what contour?

2156SMK, I hear what you're saying. It's hard to say though how butt-heavy it would feel w/o throwing a shorter barrel on. Right now, with a heavy varmint contour and a bipod, the balance point is right under the front action screw. I'd be inclined to think that with the bipod still up front a 2 lb. weight change isn't going to make it too crazy different.

Simo, I completely agree on and am not worried about barrel heat for this application.