Best barrel for first build?

[matt_3479]

I am starting my first build hopefully shortly. I have got pretty much all the information i need. Only 2 things left to decide on is the barrel and weather or not to get a brake and which one.

I will be building a 300. win mag which is built off a blue printed 700 action in a McMillan A3. I want to keep this build relatively light. I was told to stay with a #4, #5 contour and if the weight isn't too much look into a Sendaro Contour as well. My other debate was the length. A lot of people said the 28" will get more velocity but i want it light and the 26" in other peoples eyes was perfect. Last question is, what barrel company? I spoke to Kevin a MCR and he suggest Brux barrels. I have heard some really good things about Brux barrels but there are a few others people suggested. 1 was kreiger barrels, Broughton barrels and hart barrels.

Which contour, #4, #5 or Sendaro?
What length 26" or 28"?
which company to go with? stick with Brux or maybe ask about Broughton or another company?

remember weight needs to stay pretty low as it will be a light weight tactical rifle hopefully around 11lbs maybe even 11.5 lbs

 

[Broz]

28" with a JP brake. After all this is a Long Range build. I like brakes so I can spot my own hits while I practice. Since you have decided on the 300 Win (great choice) you might want to consider the 28" over the 26" for the added velocity and burn time. Especially with the heavier 210's. Plus with the introduction of the new Berger in 230 grain, I feel the added barrel length will help if you ever want to test these. We are testing them now and they are looking good with an extra added 120 ft lbs of energy at 1000 yards from a 300 win. The .711 BC is pretty inpressive too.

The Sendero contour is alot like a #5 so your dcision is pretty much done there.

I have never used a Brux so I can't say. But I feel any of these manufacturers can make a good barrel. Broughton, Hart, Brux, Lilja just to name a few. I will add that we have seen very good results a several Broughton barrels in 300 win. Especially with the 5C rifling that seems to get some of the best velocities. One other thing I will say, if you want it fluted have it done by the manufacturer before it gets it's final stress treatment and final hand lappng.

Keep us posted on your build. I think yu are going to be very happy with your results.

Jeff

 

[matt_3479]

28" with a JP brake. After all this is a Long Range build. I like brakes so I can spot my own hits while I practice. Since you have decided on the 300 Win (great choice) you might want to consider the 28" over the 26" for the added velocity and burn time. Especially with the heavier 210's. Plus with the introduction of the new Berger in 230 grain, I feel the added barrel length will help if you ever want to test these. We are testing them now and they are looking good with an extra added 120 ft lbs of energy at 1000 yards from a 300 win. The .711 BC is pretty inpressive too.

The Sendero contour is alot like a #5 so your dcision is pretty much done there.

I have never used a Brux so I can't say. But I feel any of these manufacturers can make a good barrel. Broughton, Hart, Brux, Lilja just to name a few. I will add that we have seen very good results a several Broughton barrels in 300 win. Especially with the 5C rifling that seems to get some of the best velocities. One other thing I will say, if you want it fluted have it done by the manufacturer before it gets it's final stress treatment and final hand lappng.

Keep us posted on your build. I think yu are going to be very happy with your results.

Jeff

I was going to go with Krieger originally until 2 people suggested Brux barrels. relatively cheap with great accurate products. others suggest Lilja barrels, lots of people seem to use these and recently a few suggested Broughton 5C barrels. So i just wanted to see what people would suggest mainly between Brux, Broughton and Lilja barrels.
I want to keep it light and i feel that 28" with muzzle brake is more like 29" which makes it a little longer/harder for hikes and heavier where as the 26" with muzzle brake is more like 27" and its a little easier. If more people suggest the 28" obviously i wont argue i just had to make sure before pulling the trigger on a barrel

 

[Coyboy]

A a-3 with a sendero contour at 28" will put you at 10.4 lbs. without scope and rings.

A a-3 with a #5 at 26" will put you at 9lbs without scope and rings.

The heavy gun will shoot easier for you, the light gun will carry easier, you decide.

I would use a Brux

 

[matt_3479]

A a-3 with a sendero contour at 28" will put you at 10.4 lbs. without scope and rings.

A a-3 with a #5 at 26" will put you at 9lbs without scope and rings.

The heavy gun will shoot easier for you, the light gun will carry easier, you decide.

I would use a Brux

Why would the Heavy gun shoot easier and why would you us Brux? So a #5 at 28" would be in between, correct? so like 10lbs.

Im hoping to have this rifle around 10-12lbs. I have a EGW base, Burris XTR rings, and a Vortex Viper PST to go on top of it.

The thing is, with a 28" barrel then a muzzle brake, now were at like 29"

 

[Broz]

Matt, different barrel manufacturers have different contours and they will differ in weight too. Not all #5 contours are the same.

Yes, your 28" barrel with a brake will be 29" or so. I carry mine in my Eblystock pack for long hikes and I am 53 yrs young, something tells me you are younger and will do fine..

Also, I don't want to go into a rail debate again but would encourage you to look at a NF base. In my opinion it will be an extra $75 or $80 well spent.

Jeff

 

[Browninglover1]

The heavier gun will be easier to shoot accurately because it will be affected less by your heartbeat, breathing etc. I couldn't answer any of your other questions but I'm interested in a similar build in a few years so this post has been great for me!

 

[Coyboy]

because I have installled over 250 of them any they are very accurate barrels, the guys who make them stand behind them 100%

 

[matt_3479]

Matt, different barrel manufacturers have different contours and they will differ in weight too. Not all #5 contours are the same.

Yes, your 28" barrel with a brake will be 29" or so. I carry mine in my Eblystock pack for long hikes and I am 53 yrs young, something tells me you are younger and will do fine..

Also, I don't want to go into a rail debate again but would encourage you to look at a NF base. In my opinion it will be an extra $75 or $80 well spent.

Jeff

I might just invest in an Eblystock pack then, at a healthy 18 years old, i should be able to carry it. Someone told me to get a 27" barrel and with the brake it will make it 28" and that way i dont have to worry about anything . I think im going to stick with what my gunsmith suggests and go with Brux, but your stories with Broughton caught my eye cause i ahve seen it before. I will definately see what others say and if broughton is the more popular vote, broughton it will be. But Kevin at MCR suggested Brux and i believe i am going to get him to build this gun and i will take his work on it.

I dont fully understand why the NF rail will be that much better. I know you get what you pay for but EGW has had some pretty good review and right now i like it. If its actually that much better then Nightforce is what i will get. But at only 18 money is an issue. I have been saving for this build and will hopefully start asap.

 

[Broz]

If your smith recommends a Brux then by all means go with it. I would never go against what the rifle smith recommends. You should trust him to get you what you want. If you are not instowing 100% trust in your smith you are tying one of his hands behind his back. I am sure Kevin will build you a good rifle.

Jeff

 

[matt_3479]

Thats how i felt too, so ill give brux a try but i dont think he stated a length. He said 26-28" barrel would be the best and im still waiting on an email stating which he would suggest. Would an in between work, like a 27"