Gunsmithing wanting a better barrel

[darth_ritis]

I have a Remington 700 SPS in 7mm-08. The original barrel is a thin hunter barrel with a 1:12" twist. I want a more precise barrel, with better heat dissipation and a faster twist to stabilize heavier bullets (168 SMK or 162 AMAX if I can ever find some).

I'm thinking of getting a Kreiger barrel with 5R rifling, fluted, threaded, target crown, in either 1:8.5" twist or 1:9". I'm not sure whether to go with the light varmint contour or the heavy varmint - I don't want to add too much weight.

Does anyone see a major malfunction in this plan? Do any 7mm shooters have thoughts on an optimum twist rate?

 

[Diablo]

Kreiger is fine. You could keep the weight down by shortening the barrel and forget about the flutes.

 

[RHutch]

Depends on what you plan to use the rifle for.
Is this a hunting carry gun or target gun?
Assuming your threading for a can and 5/8x24 threads, you will want a minimum diameter of .700 at your proposed finish length to allow enough shoulder for a can to snug up to.
You will be fine with either twist.

 

[darth_ritis]

Is this a hunting carry gun or target gun?

That's the trick. It's primarily a long range target gun, but I want to keep it light enough to hunt with in case I get the itch.

The threading is also "just in case" - I don't have a can right now but I might get one.

 

[darth_ritis]

You could keep the weight down by shortening the barrel and forget about the flutes.

True, a shorter barrel will be lighter than a fluted longer barrel. I want to strike a good medium here because I like fluted barrels and I want enough long range precision to consistently enjoy hitting 1000+ yard steel targets. How short is too short for that use?

 

[pinsandpitons]

Varmint Al's Fluted Barrel Stiffness Analysis

Here's a good read on barrel related stuff you might find helpful.

 

[RHutch]

A #5 at 24" could be the ticket. I have 2 rifles set up that way. a 260 and a 243, and feel they are a good compromise between hunting and target.

 

[darth_ritis]

Finding some interesting thoughts on barrel length.

The Truth About Barrel Length, Muzzle Velocity and Accuracy

7mm-08 barrel length

Perhaps a 22" barrel with the #10 heavy bull target contour - they claim 7 pounds for a 27" total length product, so hopefully a 22" final length is significantly lighter.

 

[darth_ritis]

A #5 at 24" could be the ticket. I have 2 rifles set up that way. a 260 and a 243, and feel they are a good compromise between hunting and target.

Yep, nothing wrong with that setup.

 

[RHutch]

And both of mine are fluted and threaded for cans.

 

[jonesturf]

I did a medium palma on my last build to save some weight. I'm pleased with the results. It was a Bartlein 25" and it handled nice. Still plenty heavy, shot nice little groups and didn't string ever when it got hot. Had a nice balance point right around the mag well and was noticeably lighter than a standard varmint profile. Originally left it at 25" to see how it handled there and figured it would make its way down to 22" but it never did. Plus I was abl to keep my velocity from the extra length. Probably gonna stick with Palma profiles from here on out. To hell with straight tapers.

 

[Hookturnr]

My latest baby is due home in the next couple weeks and it's wearing a fluted #5 Rock 1:9 7mm @24" for 280AI....

 

[GlockBlock]

I did a medium palma on my last build to save some weight. I'm pleased with the results. It was a Bartlein 25" and it handled nice. Still plenty heavy, shot nice little groups and didn't string ever when it got hot. Had a nice balance point right around the mag well and was noticeably lighter than a standard varmint profile. Originally left it at 25" to see how it handled there and figured it would make its way down to 22" but it never did. Plus I was abl to keep my velocity from the extra length. Probably gonna stick with Palma profiles from here on out. To hell with straight tapers.

I'm doing a build right now with a med Palma at 22"+muzzle brake length. I am thinking it should handle quite nicely and shooting .308 still yield decent velocity.

 

[wrhunter]

For a 7-08 I vote Rem Varmint/#5 at 22". Plenty of velocity to get to 1000 and still a bit handy.