What barrel contour do you use. I put a #4 contour from Montana rifle on and it looks like a club.

What is the Muz dia?

Muzzle diameter is .650.

I like the #3 Shilen contour with a 1.15" shank. Looks sleek, but still has enough meat to add some weight for recoil management - 0.625" muzzle. A #3 Hart/Douglas contour is my preference for a 358 win and 338-06, and a #3 Lilja or Pac-nor contour for a 9.3x62. I also like the 700 "magnum" contour for a 338-06, 358 win, or the Whelen.

Anything between a .625 and .650 "to me is fine", but you seem to want a lighter one.

Try a Douglas # 3 .625

My .338-06 has a #3 (.625"). If I was to do it again, & I might, I would go #3 but have it fluted to reduce the weight a bit.

BTW, all #3s are not the same, so be warned.

I went with a #2 profile Douglas premium with a muzzle dia of .600".

Straight taper to .625"!!

I had MRC put a 23" 35 cal barrel (1-12 twist) on my Ruger SA in 350RemMag and it is also a #4 (.650") at the muzzle in 1999 or so. I also thought it looked a little clubby, but boy does it shoot accurately, 200 gr Hornady spire points (fps unknown but from Accurate reloading manual with a full load of AA2520 around 3000 fps), 225 gr Sierra's at 2725 fps and 225 gr NPs a tad over 2700 (both with WW748). They all land within an inch or so of each other and group MOA or better.

Was reading an old copy of RifleShooter last night, Mar/April 02, about Custom barrels by Sam Fadala. He was working with Morrison Precision Company and they stated that Chrome moly barrels can be made thinner than stainless due to the strength of the steel. I know when I talked to Brian @ MRC, he would not go thinner than the #4 for the .35 cals, and the web site also states the same.

I've gotten used to the slight muzzle heavy feel, I can hold it steadier than some of the lighter barreled rifles I have and love the accuracy and velocity of the original short mag! All in all, I think the project turned out great with the addition of a Lone Wolf stock.

Ed