What contour and length for 1,000 yd prone and for XTC?

[schumi]

I am getting back in the across the course game and long range (1000yd) prone. I've shot a 6.5-284 30 inch barrel that was 1" at the muzzle in long range. Way too heavy! I tried a .875 27" and shot better I think because it was more comfortable to hold. But I have individuals telling me I gave up accuracy and velocity in that 3" loss in length. Same twist and load, shot almost identical. It's hard to find contour info of what is popular.

Also, I'm wanting to build a Elisio R5 in 6.5x47 Lapua. What would be the best length and contour? I like a the same barrel for that. Maybe even lighter. Flutes?

Any opinions?

 

[morpheus]

I talked to Gary about this same question in relation to a R5 in 6mmBR for XTC I am putting together. He said that most people use a 26-28" barrel (for 6mmBR) and use a standard Palma for the shorter lengths (26") and often a light Palma for the longer lengths (28").

 

[GermanS1]

For prone matches, the medium Palma contour is very popular in lengths up to 30". For a 6mm or a 6.5 mm, the light Palma would do well also if weight is a consideration.

I prefer a heavier rifle and use the heavy Palma contour for the 30" barrels (.308) and the slightly heavier MTU profile for 28" barrels (.30-06).

For XC shooting, shorter and lighter is the best plan - light Palma, 26" or so.

A great deal of this is shooter comfort and rifle balance. My Eliseo tubeguns with long actions and the MTU barrels come in right at 15 lb. There's good information on barrel contours and weight at the Krieger website. http://www.kriegerbarrels.com/Contours-c1246-wp3382.htm

 

[schumi]

Thanks a bunch!!! Great information. Let's me know I wasn't off base.

 

[flatlander]

I used 28" bbls. in Rem sendero/varmint countour on both R5 & RTS tubeguns. They're very comfortable in prone, but are muzzle heavy in offhand & sitting. Recently put together another R5 for a friend, and used a 28" light Palma chambered for the Dasher. It felt 'just right' in offhand to me, so I'm looking forward to seeing how my friend does with it next season.

If I were to rebarrel either of my tubeguns with XTC shooting in mind, I'd go with either a med. or light Palma instead of the Rem varmint contour. Overall weight with the med. Palma would be close to the same, but I believe it'd balance better for offhand.

 

[schumi]

Recently put together another R5 for a friend, and used a 28" light Palma chambered for the Dasher. It felt 'just right' in offhand to me, so I'm looking forward to seeing how my friend does with it next season.

Which barrel manufacturer?

 

[flatlander]

The bbl. I used for the customer's R5 was a Krieger, but there's very little or no difference in Palma contours between Krieger and Bartlein.