I am considering rebarreling my LH Rem 700 30 06. Purpose is two fold. One I want to lighten the rifle up and two possibly increase accuracy. The muzzle on the factory barrel measures .650 across. Would it be acceptable to go with either a #1 or #2 contour? Could I expect decent accuracy out of the #1 keeping the length to 24 inches or less? Or should I stay with a stiffer #2? I would be very happy if the rifle shot MOA. I simply don't need anything better. I am considering either a Shilen or Douglas blank in stainless but am open to ideas. Thank you. My main bullet weights will be 150-165's.

Snowwolfe,

Is it about 7 1/2 lbs now? And what kind of groups are you getting currently?

Last question why are you set on a 24" barrel?

Last question thats a pretty big contour on a non varmit stock rifle what is it? That should be shooting some pretty decent groups right now.

It is a stock LH BDL vintage 1980. It shoots MOA or very close to it. NOt set on a 24, can use 22-24.

HAve you got a ton of rounds through it?

Something tells me that your not getting all you could out of that rifle. Old Remingtons were good barrels. Often just sloppy on how they were put together.

You should check out a couple of cheaper options if your try to be easy on your wallet. Specifically:

1. How is the bedding? Factory stock or have you worked on it.
2. Lug engagement, I would check this and lap if neccessary
3. I have seen several Remingtons that were just so so shooters, that setting the barrel back a thread and rechambering them right cut the group size in half.
4. Crown? I have a strong preference for target crowns, factory crowns often leave a lot to be desired.

If you have your heart set on rebarrling I know I am not going to change your mind. But there are cheaper ways to tighten up your groups.

I like short and stiff, for me I would inspect the bore carefully, if I saw no issues, I would consider setting the barrel back a thread, rechambering, and cutting a new crown, after I shortened it up to hust under 22". Then glass bed it.

I don't think your going to save much wieght wise with a #2, something in the range of .2 -.3 lbs max, and you can get that savings by just looping off the end by 2".

If your really after a weight reduction the #1 or even a #1 featherwieght is what I would look at, that will get you over 1/2 lb. I am not a big fan of that light of a barrel though. Your brand choices of barrels are good solid quality, some might like other barrels brands better but your choices are certainly on solid ground. A little more spendy but I and my smith have had great luck with Dan Lilja's barrels on M700's I have never seen a bad shooter with that combo.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

I personally recommend Pac Nor....
decent prices.. a lot of options and decent turn around...

PS, even the owner says privately there is no difference in the Match and super match qualities.... they just have the more spendy ones, because they cater to a market that wants two choices.. and is willing to pay the extra for a 'perceived" more accurate barrel....

cheers
seafire