How Much Difference Does Heavy Barrels Make

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  • illini40

    Sharpshooter
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    Nov 28, 2010
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    How much difference, in regards to accuracy, would a heavier barrel make for me?

    Situation:
    - bolt action 223
    - I'm an amateur shooter
    - punching paper out to 200 yards
    - no need for rapid fire

    Im considering a bolt action 223 to play around with. I'm not looking to spend a fortune, so I'm curious if a heavier barrel is really that important. I consider the trigger as likely more important for me.
     

    sgreen3

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    Jan 19, 2011
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    The real benefit from a heavy barrel comes into play when your shooting extended sessions and putting a bunch of heat into the barrel. The thicker barrel takes a bit longer to heat up allowing more accurate shots, also a thicker barrel would be more stable allowing less flex in the barrel when fired. As you mentioned for your intended purpose for the rifle you wouldn't see any real benefit from a heavy barrel for what your going to be doing with it. Save some money and the added weight and just get a sporter profile and Id say you'll be just fine.
     

    IndyDave1776

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    Jan 12, 2012
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    You have already been given plenty of good advice. That said, I will add that should you decide to go more extended sessions or longer ranges at which you would benefit from a heavier barrel, a normal varmint-weight barrel pretty well lives at the point of diminishing returns at which moving to a greater diameter doesn't add anything but more weight to pack. Also true is that with a normal varmint-contour barrel, fluting will actually add stiffness and heat dissipation while reducing weight. This is nothing but trivia for your purposes of the day, but I feel compelled to play Paul Harvey! Have fun burning powder!

    I will also share that an old gunsmith of my acquaintance shared with me that a standard contour military barrel is plenty stiff for long range shooting given that they are machined stepped rather than tapered with more metal than necessary over most of their length. I haven't heard that anywhere else, but I have never known him to give me bad advice. Gee whiz I miss that man! I am very thankful for the time he was here with us!
     

    dieselrealtor

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    Nov 5, 2010
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    I picked up a Savage Axis .223 (II or XP, not sure which) with accutrigger, Weaver scope & tapered barrel over thanksgiving weekend.
    I have put about 70 rounds through it so far, getting used to shooting with a bipod. I think I am going to put a bit stronger scope to help reach out too 300m.

    My purpose with this rifle is plinking & improving my longer distance shooting skills. It has performed very well for a $250 package.

    After I get a bit of fire formed brass I will work up a more accurate load for it, so far just been shooting Fiocchi.
     

    sloughfoot

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    Apr 17, 2008
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    Heavy barrels heat up slower, but also take more time to cool down.

    Sporter contour barrels do not take second seat as far as accuracy. Quality of the rifling is the key to accuracy.
     

    illini40

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    Thanks everyone.

    Seems like the Axis is popular for my interests.

    Not to change topics, but what budget bolt guns would you guys suggest that I look into? I want something with an adjustable trigger. Again, it's for plinking out to 200 yards. Would like to stay under $350ish new.
     

    Sniper 79

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    Personally I hate pencil barrels. I have had some that shot well then fell off at about the ten round mark. They are easy to carry if hunting is your thing other than that they suck. I now only have heavy profile or full 1" bull guns.

    Makes a big difference in whip and heat. I also prefer them at 16"

    Savage is what you are looking for.
     

    illini40

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    Besides the Axis models, what is the next step up from Savage? I'm thinking the Axis is probably the only option in the price range, but curious what the next step up would be.
     

    Notalentbum

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    Besides the Axis models, what is the next step up from Savage? I'm thinking the Axis is probably the only option in the price range, but curious what the next step up would be.

    I know there will be a lot of hate over it, but Dicks has a Savage heavy barrel model 11VT that is a really nice shooter for about $450 with a cheap scope included. It comes with a flimsy synthetic stock and an Accutrigger. I have 2 currently, one in .308 and the other in .223. Both shoot right about 1 MOA with me on the trigger. I'm sure a more experienced shooter might drop that to sub .5 MOA. Google the 11VT, mostly good reviews and most of the complaints are about the synthetic stock and cheap scope.
    My .223 version is soon getting a Boyd's stock bedded to it. If that improves my shooting noticeably, the .308 will get an even better stock bedded to it.

    Matt
     

    451_Detonics

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    Most accurate rifle I own is a Remington 700 in 22 CHeetah that has a pencil barrel. It does not appreciate rapid firing but it was not built for prairie dogs, it was built for coyotes out west. Different horses for different courses, you need to plan what kind of shooting you expect with the rifle and go with what best suits your needs.

    now for some gratuitous rifle porn...my CHeetah...

    778b2e21-07fd-46c8-b0a1-3785bf63dfdf_zps1c3da8db.jpg
     

    illini40

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    Nov 28, 2010
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    I know there will be a lot of hate over it, but Dicks has a Savage heavy barrel model 11VT that is a really nice shooter for about $450 with a cheap scope included. It comes with a flimsy synthetic stock and an Accutrigger. I have 2 currently, one in .308 and the other in .223. Both shoot right about 1 MOA with me on the trigger. I'm sure a more experienced shooter might drop that to sub .5 MOA. Google the 11VT, mostly good reviews and most of the complaints are about the synthetic stock and cheap scope.
    My .223 version is soon getting a Boyd's stock bedded to it. If that improves my shooting noticeably, the .308 will get an even better stock bedded to it.

    Matt

    Matt - I've seen and handled the 11VT. Solid feeling gun. It is interesting, but the last that I saw the price was closer to $550. I need to check on the price now.

    Also - what Boyd's stock are you getting for it? I thought I read at one time that the 11VT was slightly different in construction and aftermarket stocks would not work with it.
     

    throttletony

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    If you're going to carry the gun much at all (like a coyote calling gun, etc), keep it light!

    As the others have said, at the range you mention + caliber + slow rate of fire.... no need to use a bull barrel
     

    Notalentbum

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    Matt - I've seen and handled the 11VT. Solid feeling gun. It is interesting, but the last that I saw the price was closer to $550. I need to check on the price now.

    Also - what Boyd's stock are you getting for it? I thought I read at one time that the 11VT was slightly different in construction and aftermarket stocks would not work with it.

    I've always seen them listed at $499 but there has been frequent rebate deals for $450. Last one I bought, they had the rebate deal and 10% off total purchase if you apply for Dicks CC. I did that, paid it off as soon as the bill came and then closed the account. That got me another $50 or so off. I think I was out the door about $430 with a $50 mail in rebate.

    I can't recall what model stock exactly. I talked to someone at Boyd's to get what I needed. It only took a little time with my Dremel to get the action fitted to the stock. You do have to buy the bottom metal as the wood stock isn't like the synthetic. It's a fairly basic project to fit it all up. As soon as my bedding materials get delivered, I'll get the .223 back together.

    Matt
     

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