Lightest barrel profile in bolt gun?
 

I'm going to be starting a build pretty soon based on a Stevens 200. I'm trying to keep the weight as low as possible. What is the lightest barrel profile I can use without sacrificing accuracy?

*Barrel length will be 16"
*Both super- and sub-sonic
*Will be using a suppressor (as soon as I can get out of CA)

Any other relevant information missing?

Thanks

I'm using a Douglas #4 contour on my Remmy whisper. It finished out at ~.740 at the muzzle (16 inch barrel). Just enough meat to thread 5/8x24 for my suppressor. I really like it. Accuracy is sub-moa with my 208 AMAX & 155 Nosler CC subsonic loads.

A number 3 contour is the standard for a factory hunting rifle. A number one contour is for manlicher stocks so you can fully bed the barrel to reduce whip.

You don't want to get to light a contour or the suppressor will cause the barrel to droop when it is on.

How accurate do you want the rifle? 2"-3" groups at 100 yards has been the accuracy standard for hunting rifles for as long as I can remember. Most rifles today will shoot better but it is all you relay need for everything but varmint.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you only need .625 diameter to cut 5/8 threads? Or is 5/8 the minor diameter? :confused:

Good to hear! How long is and how much does your can weigh?

Right! Assume an ~8in., ~22oz. can.

Definitely looking for sub MOA subsonic 220-240gr. and whatever I can get with the supers.

You still need a shoulder for the rear of the can to mate up against.

http://www.insomnia.gr/uploads/12906...54_40_1180.gif DOH!




Well that would limit me to a #3 minimum. Is a #3 heavy enough at 16"?

What he said. I am not comfortable going much below .750 with 5/8x24 threads. At .740, you have less than a .060 shoulder. It's enough, but not any too much IMHO. According to the Douglas Barrels chart, a number 3 contour ought to finish out at ~.690 to .700 at 16 inches. That's a shoulder of ~.035 inches. Spook or others may be able to tell you that's OK. It'd be a little too light for my tastes.

BTW, my suppressor is 8.5 inches long and weighs ~28 ounces. No problem with accuracy or "droop."

Save some money and weight and go with a 9mm can, It is all that you need for the amt. of powder you are going to be burning. Thats what I put on my CZ527 action, matched the 223 countour,,, it works fine.
Good luck

I'm going to be shooting supersonics, also. I was under the impression that was a no-no with a 9mm can.

Lucky! I wish I could afford to build mine on one...

1/2x28 threads?

Depends on the can, trident 9 for example can easily handle it.

You can if you shop around, however the howa is cheaper and the better platform, probally can do it for the same or less than a savage.


You can use 1/2x28 threads but if your 9mm can has a interchangeable rear then you can use whatever they offer, 3 lug ,1/2x28, 5/8x24 ect..