Gunsmithing Opinions on what barrel contour(s) for a Lapua 338 AI

[dave300]

Starting to source parts for a new Lapua 338AI. Bartlein barrel 30” with a 9.3” twist, is the choice for a barrel and my question comes to what contour and why.
Sendero, MTU, M24, Heavy Palma? Something else?
Thanks for any schooling. Dave
Edit, this will run a SAS Vengeance suppressor as well

 

[ZiaHunter]

26" Bartlein 1:10 heavy palma currently on my rifle.. When I rebarrel plan on going with a Bartlein 28" 1:9.4 heavy palma. Shoot suppressed with a TBAC 338BA and 28" is about the max I want to go.

 

[surgeon260]

The heaviest one you can get. Your shoulder will thank you.

 

[Carolina Hill Billy]

I like the modified HV with the 1.350 shank, otherwise straight HV.

 

[surgeon260]

Both my 338s are built on the Surgeon XL and run heavy custom contours. One is a 1.350" for 4", then straight taper to 0.95" @ 28" finish. The other is 1.400" for 4" and straight taper to 1.05" @ 30" finish.

I run a can as well. Recoil with those heavy platforms is manageable, but I appreciate every ounce during long bench sessions.

 

[BCX]

My Surgeon XL has a Bartlein 1-9 1.350 for 5”, straight tapers to 1.125 @ 30” fluted w a T-4 brake.

The Defiance has a Proof Sendero CF 24” and wears a T4+ brake to settle the fire breathing dragon down.

 

[Wannashootit]

Contour selection is mostly basic stuff...
Since this doesn't seem to be a LR hunting rifle by your initial post, target application contour is simple as mentioned above- heaviest you care to tote (when not limited by competition rules) including full-diameter bull.

Mass is your friend when it comes to target rifles. The more steel, the greater the ability to absorb heat from longer shot strings.

 

[Rubicon Precision]

Starting to source parts for a new Lapua 338AI. Bartlein barrel 30” with a 9.3” twist, is the choice for a barrel and my question comes to what contour and why.
Sendero, MTU, M24, Heavy Palma? Something else?
Thanks for any schooling. Dave
Edit, this will run a SAS Vengeance suppressor as well

First things first. What action are you using? What is the intended use of the rifle?

 

[Nik H]

M24 or MTU...you will like it...trust me

 

[dave300]

Contour selection is mostly basic stuff...
Since this doesn't seem to be a LR hunting rifle by your initial post, target application contour is simple as mentioned above- heaviest you care to tote (when not limited by competition rules) including full-diameter bull.

Mass is your friend when it comes to target rifles. The more steel, the greater the ability to absorb heat from longer shot strings.

Sorry guys, yes it will be strictly a LR hunting rifle here in Nevada, and mostly used on Elk hunts.
The action is going to be a Defiance Rogue, exclusive to Rbros Rifles., Travis has directed the stock to use a target port and I have chosen a Manners EH5A, regular fill.
I lucked into Bartlein having a barrel in stock, and as suggested it is a 31” finishing at 30”, 9.3 twist, MTU, Stainless, fluting will happen at Kampfeld

 

[surgeon260]

Elk hunting? Yikes. Have you considered what that rifle is going to weigh?

 

[dave300]

Elk hunting? Yikes. Have you considered what that rifle is going to weigh?

13-14, the stories I could tell you, but it’s not a pack gun of course, although Ive humped my last 338 AI around quit a bit, In all reality, 700 to 1000 yards happens quit often with short jaunts or at some of our many hangouts.
My last 338 AI was a honey and i had a desire to build another more specific to what I facored and I wasn’t sure of the barrel contour although I knew it was heavy contour.

 

[Steel head]

13-14, the stories I could tell you, but it’s not a pack gun of course, although Ive humped my last 338 AI around quit a bit, In all reality, 700 to 1000 yards happens quit often with short jaunts or at some of our many hangouts.
My last 338 AI was a honey and i had a desire to build another more specific to what I facored and I wasn’t sure of the barrel contour although I knew it was heavy contour.

My simple short action 7SAUM with a 28” heavy Palma was 17#
Barrel weighs 5.4 pounds.

A 30” MTU barrel alone has to be 7.5-8 pounds.

 

[Nik H]

My simple short action 7SAUM with a 28” heavy Palma was 17#
Barrel weighs 5.4 pounds.

A 30” MTU barrel alone has to be 7.5-8 pounds.

I would say closer to 8 if not a bit more for a 30"

 

[Wannashootit]

I'd probably go with a 26" barrel, with the heaviest contour based on whatever weight you determine would be suitable, fluted.
Fluting would reduce weight in this application while giving the stiffness of a lighter contour, non-fluted barrel.
Def going to need a brake- so make sure your muzzle dia is adequate for whatever model you run with.

JMO.

 

[surgeon260]

My full carbon hunting rifle with a Surgeon 1086, 28" Proof, and a non adjustable EH1 is right around 11 lbs with scope, rings, brake, and magazine. 13 sounds optimistic with that barrel, plus your stock is over a pound heavier than mine.