Lightweight hunting rig

[284winner]

Ok, so I'm in the process of building a lightweight hunting rig in 6.5-284. For that I'm looking at a Proof Research sendero profile barrel. Wondering if I can get some information from hunters here about the Proof barrels. My reason for the carbon is the weight factor. I know I can go light weight Sporter and probably be lighter but I want a bull profile barrel for this project as to keep barrel heat down a bit better and keep the stiffness of a bull barrel

 

[1lnbrdg]

Go the light weight sporter if you're building for light weight hunting.

For hunting, your shorts are going to be cold-bore shots anyways.

 

[284winner]

Go the light weight sporter if you're building for light weight hunting.

For hunting, your shorts are going to be cold-bore shots anyways.

True but I won't just be shooting one shot except on hunts. Shooting strings while breaking in the barrel, shooting in warm weather at the range, not only one shot hunting scenarios. Also I'll use it for recreational shooting on targets and other LR shooting. I want it lightweight for hunting primarily. It will be used for other purposes also. I'm more looking for input on how people like the carbon barrels on hunting rigs rather than opinions on which is best. I've always wanted a carbon barrel. What I'm saying is, I'm definitely getting a carbon barrel for this build. Appreciate your input tho.

 

[B23]

I put a Proof Sendero, not Sendero Light, on my most recent 6CM build. Their Sendero has more of a straight taper profile to it and their Sendero Light is pretty much the same as a regular Sendero profile, but they both have the same size/contour steel barrel part underneath. If you go Sendero, make sure you're using a stock that has enough room in the barrel channel or can be opened up because the Sendero has a bit larger outside diameter than does their Sendero Light. I have a Proof CF wrapped barrel on my Seekins SP10 6.5CM but that's a AR10 Platform not a bolt gun. I have zero complaints with how Proof barrels shoot.

They're a little expensive, aren't particularly light, and IMO they do absolutely nothing better than a good all steel barrel except look good and as we all know, beauty is subjective. I'd be lying if I didn't admit, the biggest reason I went with the Proof CF barrels is because I think they look cool, not because I think there is anything better about them. That's not to say Proof doesn't make a good barrel, because they do, in fact I think they probably make the best of all the CF barrels out there and I also think their CF wrapping process is more technologically advanced than the others, too. So if you want a CF barrel, just because you want a CF barrel, I completely get it and after all, it's your money, spend it how you like.

 

[284winner]

I put a Proof Sendero, not Sendero Light, on my most recent 6CM build. Their Sendero has more of a straight taper profile to it and their Sendero Light is pretty much the same as a regular Sendero profile, but they both have the same size/contour steel barrel part underneath. If you go Sendero, make sure you're using a stock that has enough room in the barrel channel or can be opened up because the Sendero has a bit larger outside diameter than does their Sendero Light. I have a Proof CF wrapped barrel on my Seekins SP10 6.5CM but that's a AR10 Platform not a bolt gun. I have zero complaints with how Proof barrels shoot.

They're a little expensive, aren't particularly light, and IMO they do absolutely nothing better than a good all steel barrel except look good and as we all know, beauty is subjective. I'd be lying if I didn't admit, the biggest reason I went with the Proof CF barrels is because I think they look cool, not because I think there is anything better about them. That's not to say Proof doesn't make a good barrel, because they do, in fact I think they probably make the best of all the CF barrels out there and I also think their CF wrapping process is more technologically advanced than the others, too. So if you want a CF barrel, just because you want a CF barrel, I completely get it and after all, it's your money, spend it how you like.
View attachment 1167071

Thanks for the input. It's more for weight than looks. Ya they look pretty nice but I weighed a light varmint barrel (Bartlein 6.5) at 26" and it's well over a pound heavier than the 26" Proof barrel( sendero) before chambering. I may look at the sendero light now that I know it's about equal to the sendero in the steel barrel contour.

 

[B23]

A #4 all steel barrel weighs nearly the same as a Proof Sendero Light, but the #4 all steel barrel is actually stiffer.

 

[284winner]

A #4 all steel barrel weighs nearly the same as a Proof Sendero Light, but the #4 all steel barrel is actually stiffer.

9 oz difference. Want to keep weight at 8 lbs scoped. I can do it with a 2lb 15oz barrel.

 

[6MMWASP]

Build what you want. you are the only one you have to make happy.
My light weight rigs are all in the 6's and my heavy hunting rigs are in the low 8's

 

[B23]

Build what you want. you are the only one you have to make happy.
My light weight rigs are all in the 6's and my heavy hunting rigs are in the low 8's

Those are some pretty light builds, what are there build specs, specifically, and are those weights with optics or bare rifle?

Anyone want to guess what my 6CM in the pic above weighs as it sits???

I'll give ya some hints, stock weighs 35 ounces, barrel is only 20in, bolts been fluted, and the optic is a Vortex HS-T which is far from being a heavy scope.

If I recall, a fluted #4 weighs the same or even slightly less than a Proof Sendero Light.

 

[std7mag]

I fully understand the want for a lightweight hunting rig!
And for the shooting you plan on doing, a Proof CF barrel sounds just the ticket!

My Forbes 24B weighs in about 7lb scoped & sling.
My custom Mauser, 10lbs.
Care to guess which one goes hunting most?

 

[Alex Wheeler]

On my scale a cf sendero weighed the same as a #3 and both deflected equally when a weight was hung at the same distance from the shank on both. In other words, the carbon barrel was equally stiff as a steel barrel of the same weight.

 

[284winner]

Those are some pretty light builds, what are there build specs, specifically, and are those weights with optics or bare rifle?

Anyone want to guess what my 6CM in the pic above weighs as it sits???

I'll give ya some hints, stock weighs 35 ounces, barrel is only 20in, bolts been fluted, and the optic is a Vortex HS-T which is far from being a heavy scope.

If I recall, a fluted #4 weighs the same or even slightly less than a Proof Sendero Light.

Non-fluted 26" #4 steel barrel is 3lbs 8oz. 26" Sendero light is 2lbs 15oz.
My barrel will come in at 2lbs 12oz. Stock 1lb 8oz. Action(trigger, rail, rings, bottom metal) 2lbs 12 oz. Scope 19oz. Total weight- 8lbs 1oz empty. That's IMO a lightweight hunting rifle. All my heavy hunters are 10-15lbs

 

[Kurz]

Ok, so I'm in the process of building a lightweight hunting rig in 6.5-284. For that I'm looking at a Proof Research sendero profile barrel. Wondering if I can get some information from hunters here about the Proof barrels. My reason for the carbon is the weight factor. I know I can go light weight Sporter and probably be lighter but I want a bull profile barrel for this project as to keep barrel heat down a bit better and keep the stiffness of a bull barrel

Sometimes these types of discussions simply become mind numbing due to all the weights and dimensions being tossed about in attempts to prove a point or an opinion.

I think you have a good direction in which to build a very nice intermediate weight hunting rifle. I also think that your choice of cartridges is excellent. There are similar cartridges available also just in case you change your mind...

I built a 6.5 PRC bolt action rifle for a special PRS style competition. The action was an Atlas Tactical barreled with a Proof Research CF Sendero Light finished at 20" threaded for a can. I used an XLR Element Magnesium chassis (on hand) so all up without a magazine I was about 8 lbs with a Swarovski Z5 3.5-18x44 Ballistic Turret held in Hawkins lightweight scope rings. This is a fun set up to shoot!

Pick the components you like, add the weights together and see if this will work for you. You do not need a chassis but a properly designed rigid stock is necessary. Get it bedded stress-free! Remember that a good sling (doesn't have to be a traditional style...) is invaluable not only for carrying but for position shooting as well.

Enjoy the process!

 

[284winner]

Sometimes these types of discussions simply become mind numbing due to all the weights and dimensions being tossed about in attempts to prove a point or an opinion.

I think you have a good direction in which to build a very nice intermediate weight hunting rifle. I also think that your choice of cartridges is excellent. There are similar cartridges available also just in case you change your mind...

I built a 6.5 PRC bolt action rifle for a special PRS style competition. The action was an Atlas Tactical barreled with a Proof Research CF Sendero Light finished at 20" threaded for a can. I used an XLR Element Magnesium chassis (on hand) so all up without a magazine I was about 8 lbs with a Swarovski Z5 3.5-18x44 Ballistic Turret held in Hawkins lightweight scope rings. This is a fun set up to shoot!

Pick the components you like, add the weights together and see if this will work for you. You do not need a chassis but a properly designed rigid stock is necessary. Get it bedded stress-free! Remember that a good sling (doesn't have to be a traditional style...) is invaluable not only for carrying but for position shooting as well.

Enjoy the process!

Man I came close to the 6.5 PRC build but have a non- mag Rem 700 action to use. Figured I'd go 6.5-284 since I have tons of Lapua brass already for it and all the other reloading components. It's pretty close ballistically. How do you feel about the 20" barrel in that cartridge ? I'd feel like I'm selling it short of it's potential. Be a great carry length barrel for sure

 

[Kurz]

Man I came close to the 6.5 PRC build but have a non- mag Rem 700 action to use. Figured I'd go 6.5-284 since I have tons of Lapua brass already for it and all the other reloading components. It's pretty close ballistically. How do you feel about the 20" barrel in that cartridge ? I'd feel like I'm selling it short of it's potential. Be a great carry length barrel for sure

I see no drawback to the 6.5-284 as I know the two cartridges are similar. Your bolt face dictates the necessity of the cartridge choice so no harm, no foul, great performance, top brass makers. In my situation though, I needed a cartridge/bullet combination which would run in a standard magazine. The PRC and my choice of 130 gr. VLDs worked for short action magazines with no problems. My 6.5-284 testing put me in a longer magazine and custom throats.

I'm running a 20" barrel because I'm shooting suppressed in a move and shoot situation. Besides, this competition was overseas and they expected cans. If this was my hunting selection then I'd run a 26" barrel, no can and be extremely happy. The decisions came on the heels of a couple of months of switching barrels and loads, testing for the best combination of barrel length, can, bullet and powder. Weigh is usually not a factor for me, heavy is OK, lighter is OK.

Enjoy!

 

[284winner]

I see no drawback to the 6.5-284 as I know the two cartridges are similar. Your bolt face dictates the necessity of the cartridge choice so no harm, no foul, great performance, top brass makers. In my situation though, I needed a cartridge/bullet combination which would run in a standard magazine. The PRC and my choice of 130 gr. VLDs worked for short action magazines with no problems. My 6.5-284 testing put me in a longer magazine and custom throats.

I'm running a 20" barrel because I'm shooting suppressed in a move and shoot situation. Besides, this competition was overseas and they expected cans. If this was my hunting selection then I'd run a 26" barrel, no can and be extremely happy. The decisions came on the heels of a couple of months of switching barrels and loads, testing for the best combination of barrel length, can, bullet and powder. Weigh is usually not a factor for me, heavy is OK, lighter is OK.

Enjoy!

Excellent. Weight isn't ever been a factor for me and still really isn't. Plain and simple, I've always wanted a lightweight hunting rifle and although this isn't really considered "lightweight", it is for me. All my LR or ELR whether hunting setups or target are all over 10lbs and most are 15 easily. Look forward to this next one. Thanks for the input.

 

[B23]

Non-fluted 26" #4 steel barrel is 3lbs 8oz. 26" Sendero light is 2lbs 15oz.
My barrel will come in at 2lbs 12oz. Stock 1lb 8oz. Action(trigger, rail, rings, bottom metal) 2lbs 12 oz. Scope 19oz. Total weight- 8lbs 1oz empty. That's IMO a lightweight hunting rifle. All my heavy hunters are 10-15lbs

When it's all said and done, you'll be closer to 9lbs than 8 with just the gun ready to shoot, no ammo, sling, or anything else. My 6CM is 9.2 as it sits in the pic and that's with only a 20in tube

 

[284winner]

When it's all said and done, you'll be closer to 9lbs than 8. My 6CM is 9.2 and that's with only a 20in tube

I'm sure your right with a loaded magazine in the rifle and sling mounted. My goal was an 8lb gun empty. Again, lightweight to me is relative. This IS my lightweight rig.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

You'll be spoiled rotten, Hunting with, a Sub 8 pound, Rifle ! Trust me,.. they are, ALL, you, need / want ! We got, 3 Tikka's in, the Fam ( 4th on it's way for, Grandson !) and we, LOVE, them ! Out to, 700- 800 Yards, they're, Dynamite over, a pack or, "sticks" for, closer shots ! Woods/Mountain, "carry Rifles" are, awesome ! 3 Shots, 2 Elk, year before last, for us ! The one, my son shot was a tough angle and needed, a 2nd shot, but the 7 1/2 pound Rifle, was NICE for, the "pack out" of 2+ miles ! PS; Have you looked at, the 7mm-08, Ack Improved ?? Best thing that, I ever did, was SELL my 26" barreled, Rifle as, IT got caught, on everything ! Personally, I LIKE 22 - 24 inch, Bbls BUT build, WHAT you, want ! Proof barrels shoot OK from what, I've heard,
I wouldn't, loose any sleep, over them !! Have Fun with it ! I know you want to practice a bunch, as we DO at, all ranges / positions on, 10-11 inch Plates, Fun Times !

 

[Ozzyblu]

My 284 came in at 7-6 with rings no scope. Not a proof barrel. 23” with brake fluted #4. LA BAT. Built for me by Alex Wheeler. If I removed the brake I would be close to 7 with rings. Added 3-15x44.

To save weight you could consider a titanium action or maybe a medium length like a Lone Peak.

Good luck on your build. Post your results when done.