Hunting Washington Forum
Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: deerslyr on August 06, 2012, 05:47:59 PM
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Im planning on building a light weight 338 federal off a savage 16 action in a few months. Im going back and forth between a 20 or 22 in barrel. Id like it to have a max range around 350 yards. I was thinking a #4 contour with flutes and then cerakoted, I could go with a lighter contour and no flutes but I really like the looks of a fluted barrel. What do you guys think? Itll be an all purpose gun for deer, elk, and bear.
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22" helps a little with loading velocities and doesn't make a huge deal in weight
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If you are shooting to 350, the 20" barrel would work. Also, check with the barrel manufacturer as to how thin a contour they will flute a 338 bore barrel.
Some limit smaller contour/ bore sizes they will flute.
The other thing to keep in mind is rifle balance. The 22" barrel may balance better, or if you tend to like a muzzle heavy rifle.
Those that rarely get into the field tend to not notice the balance/ handling of a shorter VS longer barrel.
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22" would be fine, balance or so some speak of, includes much more than a barrel. Unless your shooting off hand competition standing. Balance is a mute issue and just something to talk about, as is the same with the 20 or 22 inch barrel issue. Two inches of a #4 contour barrel weighs nothing, its about the same weigh of steel rings Vs alloy. With the .338 Federal velocity isn't going to change much other than slightly to the plus side for the 22 and swing isn't going to be noticeably different, between 20-22 inches of barrel. With the .338 bore and flutes you may have to go up a contour size or so.
