Barrel Diameter Importance

[Richracer1]

I'm looking to buy a 243 Win, but wondering the advantages of having a "bull" vs a normal barrel for hunting purposes? I'm planning on using this for yotes and such. I've been eyeing the new 700 SPS Varmint w/26" bull barrel or the new 700 SPS Buckmaster w/24" sporter barrel. Both cost close enough not to matter.

Thanks

 

[JD338]

As you know, a hvy weight barrel keeps the harmonics down, providing enhanced accuracy.
I had always wanted a hvy barrel for varmit hunting so I bought a 700 VLS in 22-250 w/ 26" barrel. Let me tell you, it is heavy. weighing 10.5 lbs. I have showshoed 3-4 miles with this rifle hunting coyotes and its a bugger.
If you want a hvy contour barrel, get one that is flutted.

Now, having said all that, my 700LSS 338 RUM has a very light weight barrel. Its similar to yours. My RUM shoots well under MOA accuracy.
Also, I had a M70XCR 243 Win w/ a 22" barrel and it was very accurate.
One more thought, when shooting the smaller boars, you will have more barrel mass even with a std weight barrel.

Hope this helps.

JD338

 

[baltz526]

if you are going to pack it, buy the sporter weight

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

If you dont mind packing the extra weight, the bull barrel is "usually" more accurate. Plus, they dont heat up as quick. However, like JD mentioned, packing around close to 11 lb rifle over a couple miles isn't really fun. If its flat country, it wouldn't be to bad. If its steep, forget it.

I packed around my 220 swift ruger target model and it was about 11 lbs w/scope and bipod. I hunt flat country for coyotes, plus I'm a young buck, it wasn't bad.

Accuracy wise, the sporter weight barrels are still very accurate, they just heap up after 3-4 rounds. For coyotes, thats not much of a concern, they dont stand there after the 1st shot anyways.

I dont think you can go wrong with a 24" sporter barrled .243 for coyotes. It should still shoot easily under MOA, and thats still good for coyotes out to at least 500 yards, if not 600 yards.

 

[Guy Miner]

Richracer, I've got sporter barreled rifles and heavier barreled rifles. Either can be very accurate. Seems easier to get the accuracy from a heavy barrel varmint type rifle. The heavy barrels generally hold their accuracy better during long strings of fire, like at a ground-squirrel shooting fest or at a prairie dog town, or at a rifle match. The penalty is weight, not just lugging it around, but also the handling of the rifle changes. Instead of being quick to point, the heavy barrel rifles feel more like a club and are slower to handle.

Doing lots of shooting? Go for the varmint barrel.

Doing lots of walking? Go for the sporter barrel.

Regards, Guy

 

[Richracer1]

Richracer, I've got sporter barreled rifles and heavier barreled rifles. Either can be very accurate. Seems easier to get the accuracy from a heavy barrel varmint type rifle. The heavy barrels generally hold their accuracy better during long strings of fire, like at a ground-squirrel shooting fest or at a prairie dog town, or at a rifle match. The penalty is weight, not just lugging it around, but also the handling of the rifle changes. Instead of being quick to point, the heavy barrel rifles feel more like a club and are slower to handle.

Doing lots of shooting? Go for the varmint barrel.

Doing lots of walking? Go for the sporter barrel.

Regards, Guy

For squirrels/praire dogs and multiple repeat shots, I have my 204Ruger w/the heavy barrel. Thinking the standard SPS or SPS Buckmaster may be the way to go.

 

[rick smith]

Heavy barrels are potentially more accurate, not always. They don't heat up as fast but take longer to cool. Get one of each then you can decide.Rick.

 

[Guy Miner]

:grin: "Get one of each..." :grin: I like that thinking! Likely why my gunsafe is full to the bursting point...

 

[JD338]

:grin: "Get one of each..." :grin: I like that thinking! Likely why my gunsafe is full to the bursting point...

Like I told my wife, Guns are like golf.
You can't play the game with one club. :grin:

JD338

 

[Richracer1]

:grin: "Get one of each..." :grin: I like that thinking! Likely why my gunsafe is full to the bursting point...

Like I told my wife, Guns are like golf.
You can't play the game with one club. :grin:

JD338

Now, that would be nice, but I haven't won the lottery yet to spend like that. Besides, buying two more rifles means a new gun safe as well.

 

[TRIC]

JD338, that brings up the question, which caliber makes the best putter? :grin:

 

[Guest]

I don't know about y'all, but I use my 30-30 to keep my short game in good shape. If I need a driver, I reach for my 270Wby Mark V! (I guess that makes my 8x57 something like a 7-iron, huh?) And is my .357Mag a chipping wedge?

 

[Jeff Olsen]

:grin: "Get one of each..." :grin: I like that thinking! Likely why my gunsafe is full to the bursting point...

Like I told my wife, Guns are like golf.
You can't play the game with one club. :grin:

JD338

Now, that would be nice, but I haven't won the lottery yet to spend like that. Besides, buying two more rifles means a new gun safe as well.

Just break down and buy the new safe! I did... it's great. It makes it a whole bunch easier to buy more guns, too!

-jeff

 

[Richracer1]

:grin: "Get one of each..." :grin: I like that thinking! Likely why my gunsafe is full to the bursting point...

Like I told my wife, Guns are like golf.
You can't play the game with one club. :grin:

JD338

Now, that would be nice, but I haven't won the lottery yet to spend like that. Besides, buying two more rifles means a new gun safe as well.

Just break down and buy the new safe! I did... it's great. It makes it a whole bunch easier to buy more guns, too!

-jeff

Wish I could do that too, but I live in a one bdrm apt and space is already limited. My current safe is right next to my bed. I reload in what's suppose to be the dining room. If you haven't figured it out, I'm single.

 

[JD338]

JD338, that brings up the question, which caliber makes the best putter? :grin:

S&W 629 Classic 44 Rem Mag w/ Nosler 250 gr PT's. :grin:

JD338