#3 Contour vs. #4 Contour Accuracy

G

Gerbs

New member
I just received my #4 Shilen 6mm barrel along with my McMillan Hunter's Edge Rem 700 stock. I have read that some guys are getting them to fit. McMillan says a contour of #3 and under will fit.

1) How much can a guy take out of the barrel channel? At what point is too much?

2) Outside of weight, what differences will I see in going from a #4 to a #3? Accuracy? Consistency?

I like a little weight forward in my rifles but maybe this just isn't going to work out. I'm looking for expert advise after realizing that you can read anything you want to find online.
 
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a #4 should fit just fine with a little careful sanding of the barrel channel. I am sure McMillan means a #3 and under will fit without any modifications. as far as accuracy and consistency goes, If I am expecting the most consistent accuracy possible I like a little heavier contour barrel like a #5 but I see not reason either a 3 or 4 wont be extremely accurate if allowed to cool between groups. you can go a little shorter with a light contour to make it stiffer and that may help accuracy and consistency as well.

chuck
 
Thanks Chuck. I'm looking for the lightest and most accurate rifle possible (everyone's goal I'm sure.)

What is the optimal length of barrel for a #4 contour,.243, 1:10" on a Remington 700 action? When you say shorter barrel, how short?
 
Well first off, barrel contours are not the same for all manufacturers. So I would double check with McMillan. Give them a call and tell them which barrel and contour you have and they should tell you if the barrel you have will work. You may not need to open the barrel channel.

I have an Edge that has a #5 Krieger

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As far as barrel length, that's a personal decision but there are trade off's either direction you go.

Long = more speed and weight
Short = less speed, reduced weight and louder

Personally, I like my hunting rifles to be in the 22" to 26" range. I've seen rifles that are in the 18" to 20" range.
Your call
 
the shorter it is the stiffer it will be obviously. for something like a 223 or 308 that can be efficient in a shorter barrel a lot of folks like 18-20" tubes. what caliber are you considering?

chuck
 
Chuck, I'm building a .243. Just not sure how long of a barrel I should have. Most of the rifles I have had are just factory rifles and I believe they are all in the 22-24" range.

I had my friend look at the McMillan Hunter's Edge stock and the #4 Shilen barrel last night and he said that it would work just fine.

Buster, is that a McMillan Hunter's Edge stock or is that a McMillan stock with the Edge technology?
 
Originally Posted By: GerbsChuck, I'm building a .243. Just not sure how long of a barrel I should have. Most of the rifles I have had are just factory rifles and I believe they are all in the 22-24" range.

I had my friend look at the McMillan Hunter's Edge stock and the #4 Shilen barrel last night and he said that it would work just fine.

Buster, is that a McMillan Hunter's Edge stock or is that a McMillan stock with the Edge technology?


Hunters Edge Stock
 
Looks like you got a really nice fit with plenty of room. Nice looking rig!

I'm going to compare the #5 Krieger to the #4 Shilen specs.
 
Kind of what I thought. Obviously the #5 Krieger is slightly heavier than the #4 Shilen all around. The only difference is the shank on the #4 Shilen is 3" and the #5 Krieger is 2.75". Good deal, I'm excited about this build. Thanks everyone for the input.
 
in a 243 Winchester I wouldn't go below 22" and I think 24"
would be better. having said that, I just built a 6xc with a 20" barrel and I get 3150 out of the sierra 85hpbt and 2850 out of the 105 amax without any problems. a 243 would do a little better than that. just depends on the bullets you want to shoot and what you intend to do with the rifle. I like them short and handy myself unless its a dedicated target rifle.

chuck
 
I hear a lot of good things about the 87 gr V-Max bullets. Sounds like they are good killers and fly pretty well. This rifle will mainly be used for coyotes.
 
Originally Posted By: GerbsAny ideas on barrel crowns? 11 degree target crown? I'm not sure what the best option is.
Doesn't really matter as long as it's square to the bore.

Most smiths have their favorite, but it's a hunting gun, so I prefer a little more recess.
 
I prefer a 90* recessed crown. an 11* crown may offer a little more protection from cleaning errors but the 90* works great for me and I see no reason to change. I like to recess them quite a lot. probably .100 or so.

chuck
 
Thanks Chuck! I should stop talking about my rifle because it's going to be a little bit to get that reamer from Pacific. I'm getting antsy.
 
I have been waiting on a .243 match and .260 match reamer for several weeks after being quoted 3 weeks by dave himself. I wish this was the first time this has happened with PTG. if their products weren't so good I would take my measly business elsewhere!
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chuck
 
I'm sure I'm in line behind you then! I hope there aren't a million between us. I ordered the match also in .243. Holler at me when you get yours. Maybe mine will be in the mail a couple of weeks after that.
 
Originally Posted By: GerbsWhich ones have a little more recess? Thanks!
Pick whatever version you like the looks of, and have the smith cut it. Again, as long as it's properly done, the type doesn't matter.
 


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