Lightest barrel profile in bolt gun?

[JuggmasterZero]

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

[Scoop]

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.

[BWE Firearms]

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.

[JuggmasterZero]

Originally Posted by Scoop

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.

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?

Originally Posted by Scoop

I really like it. Accuracy is sub-moa with my 208 AMAX & 155 Nosler CC subsonic loads.

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

Originally Posted by BWE Firearms

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

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

Originally Posted by BWE Firearms

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.

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

[Hoser]

Originally Posted by JuggmasterZero

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

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

[JuggmasterZero]

Originally Posted by Hoser

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

DOH!




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

[Scoop]

Originally Posted by Hoser

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

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."