My 30-06 a-bolt was recently stolen and I'm looking to replace it. For reasons I won't get into I'm moving to a .308 but my question is which type of barrel to go with. This will be a do-everything daily rifle. I have access to a large acreage tract in South Ga. where it will be used for dispatching coyotes and hogs to whitetails. It will also be used for a LOT long range target "plinking". Admittedly my skills are only average. My concern is whether the extra weight is worth it the increase in accuracy. I have to admit that I also love the look of the heavier "varmint" rifles! Again, this will be the rifle I carry 98% of the time. Thanks in advance.
Heavy barrel or regular for everyday shooting?
- Thread starter 1gunner
- Start date
Heavy barrels are not inherently more accurate then light barrels. Shooting competition such as high power, f-class, etc, required several rounds being fired in a certain length of them. That's were the heavy barrels come in.
Also in target shooting heavy barrels are an asset because its harder to move them off the line of sight. Meaning its easier to move a light barrel then a heavy barrow with a slight movement of the trigger finger.
In hunting, I like a heavy barrel, I spend more time carrying then shooting.
Light barrels as in featherweight rifles tend to be affected by heat, come in contact with the stock, and start moving after 5-7 rounds. Not a big problem in hunting rifles. If you haven't got the critter in 5 rounds, then there is more to it then light vs. heavy barrels.
Also in target shooting heavy barrels are an asset because its harder to move them off the line of sight. Meaning its easier to move a light barrel then a heavy barrow with a slight movement of the trigger finger.
In hunting, I like a heavy barrel, I spend more time carrying then shooting.
Light barrels as in featherweight rifles tend to be affected by heat, come in contact with the stock, and start moving after 5-7 rounds. Not a big problem in hunting rifles. If you haven't got the critter in 5 rounds, then there is more to it then light vs. heavy barrels.
Thanks for the relies so far. To be clear there won't be much walking/hiking with the rifle. I will usually have it strapped in the gun rack of the atv or it will be in the seat of the truck. The shooting ranges will vary but there will be some long range shots taken primarily at the range and at the hog/coyote populations.
warbirdlover
New member
For what you want go with the heavy barrel. Makes sense. 
mrawesome22
New member
For what you describe, heavy barrel for sure.
If you cannot carry a heavy barreled gun around for extended periods, maybe a little time lifting some weights is in order.
If you cannot carry a heavy barreled gun around for extended periods, maybe a little time lifting some weights is in order.
No need to carry a heavy rifle. A light rifle is just as accurate. A heavy gun is more forgiving of poor shooting form. If you know how, or learn how to shoot, the lighter gun will do just fine.
Most of the guys who thump their chests and tell you that you just need to get stronger are usually the guys who never walk more than 10' from their 4 wheeler to get to their tree stand.
FWIW the guys who are the most physically fit and most able to carry a heavy rifle, are the ones most interested in a lightweight rifle. They are the ones humping up and down mountains for miles each day and understand that every ounce counts. I don't own a rifle over 8 lbs including scope and mounts and the ones that get hunted with the most are closer to 6 lbs. All of them will group under 1" and several closer to 1/2" at 100 yards.
Another thing to consider in a hunting rifle. The heavy ones carry almost as well as light rifles when slung over your shoulder. But the light rifle will be in your hands when you need it, not slung over your shoulder.
Come walk 20-30 miles up and down the mountains with me on a 3 day hunt while carrying all the other gear you'll need and see if you think lifting weights any more than I already do will matter.
Most of the guys who thump their chests and tell you that you just need to get stronger are usually the guys who never walk more than 10' from their 4 wheeler to get to their tree stand.
FWIW the guys who are the most physically fit and most able to carry a heavy rifle, are the ones most interested in a lightweight rifle. They are the ones humping up and down mountains for miles each day and understand that every ounce counts. I don't own a rifle over 8 lbs including scope and mounts and the ones that get hunted with the most are closer to 6 lbs. All of them will group under 1" and several closer to 1/2" at 100 yards.
Another thing to consider in a hunting rifle. The heavy ones carry almost as well as light rifles when slung over your shoulder. But the light rifle will be in your hands when you need it, not slung over your shoulder.
Come walk 20-30 miles up and down the mountains with me on a 3 day hunt while carrying all the other gear you'll need and see if you think lifting weights any more than I already do will matter.
Art Eatman
Staff in Memoriam
I've never had a problem with sub-MOA five-shot groups with what I guess would be called medium-weight or sporter barrels. Even my "light sporter" 77 Mk II in .223 will do it. I got 0.8 MOA at 500 yards from an '06 with what Weatherby called a #2 profile barrel.
Rapid and lengthy strings of fire, I'd go for a heavy barrel. Otherwise? No.
Rapid and lengthy strings of fire, I'd go for a heavy barrel. Otherwise? No.
Bull or Varmint contour barrels will "whip" less because they are more rigid than a thinner barrel.
Barrel harmonics are a funny thing... some sporter contour barrels have very consistent harmonics where the larger amount of barrel whip doesn't affect point of impact, others tend to string shots as they heat up. Bull barrels have much more consistent harmonics/vibration.
When it comes to cold bore shots that require less accuracy, as with a hunting rifle, I think sporter contours are fine.
For long range target, bull or varmint contour will usually yield the most consistent results.
Barrel harmonics are a funny thing... some sporter contour barrels have very consistent harmonics where the larger amount of barrel whip doesn't affect point of impact, others tend to string shots as they heat up. Bull barrels have much more consistent harmonics/vibration.
When it comes to cold bore shots that require less accuracy, as with a hunting rifle, I think sporter contours are fine.
For long range target, bull or varmint contour will usually yield the most consistent results.
Poodleshooter
New member
That's a very valid consideration about heavy barrels: they seem to cause less POI change when loads are swapped. A light whippy barrel, such as a Remington 700 mountain rifle or Model 7 has, is not as conducive to the concept of a multipurpose rifle that shoots a variety of loads in the field. If you're a tinkering reloader like me, a lightweight barrel with anything touching it can drive you batty from harmonic weirdness (my Winchester 94!)
Think about it this way, what do you do more of: hunting/carrying or shooting?
Think about it this way, what do you do more of: hunting/carrying or shooting?
If a gun requires a bit more effort to carry, what is the big deal? It is not like that extra pound of gun will make it impossible to carry well ...... cutting that extra pound might make the gun shoot like ...... crud. A little extra effort will get the job done..... all the extra effort in the world won't make a 4MOA gun a dependable hunting rifle beyond 100 yards.....
RaySendero
New member
My son uses his 20" bullbarrel 308 for most everything. The shorter 20" barrel helps keep the weight down for reasonable carry.
Joe Chicago
New member
I would avoid light weight (#1 contour) barrels like those found on Rem Mod 7. Most standard hunting rifles come with a #2 or 3 contour barrels and that should serve you fine, especially if you will be humping through the woods carrying the rifle. I would only go with a heavy contour barrel if you will not be walking too far then setting up shop in one location for an extended period.
I prefer a lighter rifle if I am going to be tramping around the woods - something handy like a Tikka T3 Lite. What I'm really interested in is getting one of these
No idea if Jeff Cooper's scout concept worked out finally but I'll probably have to try one.
If I'm not going to be moving around a lot I'll take a much heavier rifle with a 24" bull barrel, large scope, & bipod. I could carry one around all day but I don't find it very enjoyable.
No idea if Jeff Cooper's scout concept worked out finally but I'll probably have to try one.
If I'm not going to be moving around a lot I'll take a much heavier rifle with a 24" bull barrel, large scope, & bipod. I could carry one around all day but I don't find it very enjoyable.
heavy vs light
Get a standard varmint profile barrel in the brand of your choice and you will be just fine. Its light enough to carry and the heavier barrel profile will maintain its accuracy for MUCH LONGER strings of fire than a sporter profile barrel. I think your choice to go .308 is a VERY GOOD choice for a do it all rifle but thats another topic. Anyway, sorry to hear about your '06. I hope the slime bag chokes on a hollow point.
Get a standard varmint profile barrel in the brand of your choice and you will be just fine. Its light enough to carry and the heavier barrel profile will maintain its accuracy for MUCH LONGER strings of fire than a sporter profile barrel. I think your choice to go .308 is a VERY GOOD choice for a do it all rifle but thats another topic. Anyway, sorry to hear about your '06. I hope the slime bag chokes on a hollow point.