Can someone shed some light on the barrel contour numbers for me please? I have a Lilja #4 at 22" .284. would a #3 be X lighter or too light from them?? Would a bartlein #4 be the same?? Or does each maker have slightly different specs and measurement system. I was interested originally in a proof 22'' sendero light but they didn't produce it for a long long time. I am very happy after a few trips afield but it is a little nose heavy. I have one more custom build for my son so we can have matching .280 AI but he is slighter and a little shorter than I am. What would you go with or to given my parameters? Thanks!
Only you can decide for yourself and your specific application.
Basic physics tells us heavier is steadier and steadier is more accurate but there's a mulititude of factors that determine what is appropriate for your own specific needs and application.
I don't want thin, light, whippy barrels for anything but I'm not a sheep hunter.
If you are packing a rifle for days at a time in rought country, you don't want a sendero or heavier in most cases.
If you're shootin prairie dogs in Montana you probably don't want your sheep rifle and on, and on, and on.
Personally for most things something along the lines of the magnum bull sporter contour is my choice. It's about halfway between a normal factory magnum contour and the sendero.
I like heavier barrels because most of my hunting is done from the Truck or from places where I have relatively short walks and I will either been shooting from a really solid sitting position or standing with sticks, off trees, etc.
Due to a lot of nerve damage in my neck shoulder and left arm, I'm pretty shaky and the heavier rifle helps keep me much steadier.
Consider your needs, your application/style of hunting and by all means if you can, get your hands on many different models and at least go through various shooting positions with them even if it's down at the sporting goods store and make your own best decision.