Barrel Length

[Mauser34]

I'm about to start my first build, it's going to be a 308 Norma Mag. I'm going to a Shilen or Douglas barrel in it. The rifle is going to be used for mostly long range hunting. I'm thinking about running a max contour 20inch barrel 1:10 twist. What do you guys think?

 

[Nimrod]

I'm about to start my first build, it's going to be a 308 Norma Mag. I'm going to a Shilen or Douglas barrel in it. The rifle is going to be used for mostly long range hunting. I'm thinking about running a max contour 20inch barrel 1:10 twist. What do you guys think?

I think you would be screwing yourself with a 20" barrel. I have no idea what a max contour barrel is, the 10 twist would be fine I think, but I would go at least 26" on the length if not longer

Bob

 

[Mauser34]

By max contour I mean a straight barrel.

 

[edinidaho]

+ one on the 26" tube

Ed

 

[fmajor]

I had a full-bull (no contour) Douglas "Air-Guaged", 24" bbl chambered in .300WM and it was a shooter (sold it long ago). However, i've since been advised that it was exceptional to acheive that level of accuracy (.2" with 190grn SGK, RL22, Fed 215 primers and Winchester brass).

Why are you choosing a 20" bbl?

In any event, if were to stick with the two choices you offer, i'd like to try a Shilen (one of their Premium Match Grade).

Otherwise, there a good handful of superb barrel makers to choose from that i would look to before your choices.

 

[Buffalobob]

The shorter the barrel, the less contour you need for stiffness. Once the barrel exceeds your personal shooting skill you gain nothing.

 

[Mauser34]

I'm looking at a 20 inch tube because there are almost no barrel vibrations and it would be easy to carry around on a hunt and Shilen because its been recommended to me by a lot of people.

 

[Buffalobob]

I'm looking at a 20 inch tube because there are almost no barrel vibrations

How many national bench rest titles have you won that you need that level of stiffness in a hunting rifle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Long Time Long Ranger]

If you are looking at a short barrel consider the 300 wsm which will shoot virtually equal to the 308 norma in a short barrel. I would also bring it out to 24". The 300 wsm is overall a better choice with your specs for several reasons. With the super high BC 208 Amax you would have a tack driver.

 

[Mauser34]

So how long of a barrel would you guys recommend?

 

[barnesuser28]

I would go at least 26" on the length if not longer

Bob

+ one on the 26" tube

Ed

You already had some suggestions.

 

[backwoods83]

Personally my choice would be 28" if you want to shoot 190s and heavier, if you use a 20" you may as well have a 30-06. Shilen would be my last pick, broughton, bartlien, benchmark, and lilja are far superior.

 

[T3-OleMan]

If you want SHORT it would have to be 21 3/4".
You got to read this!!!!!!

Secrets of the Houston Warehouse

Good Luck.

 

[WildRose]

I'm looking at a 20 inch tube because there are almost no barrel vibrations and it would be easy to carry around on a hunt and Shilen because its been recommended to me by a lot of people.

Go with a sendero taper, or maybe as light as the #5 or #6 Lilja contour and you'll be a lot happier in the end. Also go with at least 26-28" so as to maximize velocity without pushing pressures.

Also I'd say go with a 1:9 or 1:9.5 twist so you can shoot the heavier VLD's. You'll need a little tighter twist with the .300 NM than you would with a 300 Rum or 30/378 to stabilize the longer/heavier VLD's since your velocities will be a bit lower. Remember spin or RPM is a function of both twist rate and velocity.

As for barrels, I'd recommend Lilja, Benchmark, and Krieger over Shilen and certainly over Douglas. I've known of a lot of people that ended up terribly disappointed in Douglas barrels.