I am in the process of rebarreling a Mod 70 from 338Win to 340 Weatherby.

What is your opinion on length? Twenty-four, five or six? I'm not concerned about getting maximum speed, but don't want to give up too much either.

If it matters, I will only be shooting 225 to 250 grain bullets.

TIA

If that's a 26" bbl, I'd definitely just rechamber. You'll probably want to turn off a thread or two, just to clean it up, but I wouldn't have a case that big without a 26" bbl.
I know some have a lot of trouble with long barrel,s, but I've handled a few 26-inchers and it really seems worth it. You gotta pay somehow, TINSTAAFL and all....

I've settled on (2) bbl. lengths for all of my bolt guns; 23" in std. calibers & 25" in magnums. Nothing wrong w/ 22", 24" or 26", just my preference.

[ 11-04-2003, 12:38: Message edited by: fredj338 ]

Fred-----we must be from the brilliant mind school-I've gone to 21/23 and 25" tubes.

For the 340 I'd start at 25 and cut it back to 23 after working with it for a while-if it felt a bit long at the tube that is.

Personally, I've worked with 340's with tube from 23-26. I prefer it to be a 4.5 weight Schneider cut @ 23". That will put it close to .7" at the muzzle.It sure does settle down nice.

Just my thoughts-make it your best day!

"GET TO THE HILL"

Dogz

Mark knows of what he speaks!

The bore volume / case capacity of the 340 is about identical to the 270 Winchester... that would indicate a 23" tube would work very well. For me, 25 or 26" tubes aren't as comfortable on the elk mountain. For a dedicated plains rifle that length wouldn't bother me, but in the mountins shorter is better. My 338WM carries a 22" tube. Your mileage may vary...

I have had both 24 and 26" WBY rifles and a 26" custom barrel and really didn't matter to me which. I found they all kicked way more than I could use precicely. They are long range heavy game guns and if you can't go prone to hit at long range then ??????????
All of mine where accurate and none where as fast as I thought they should be. I think the .338 win is the better choice.

ED

Thanks for the replies.

I cut and crowned it at 26" to start. Since I am doing the work myself, it's not a big deal to shorten it as I see fit later.

The original 338 barrel was fairly light weight and threw its shots every which way as it warmed up.

The new barrel is a Pac-Nor #5 so hopefully it will handle the heat better. I squared up the action face, and lugs, squared the bolt lugs and face and converted to 8-40 scope mount screws. Also replaced the original parts with a 375 H&H mag box, ejector and bolt stop as well as a Williams floor plate/trigger guard assy.

Hopefully, I'll get it bedded into the stock and shoot it, still in the white, this weekend.

Thanks again, Joe.

I'd leave it at 26". Just my preference. I'd take 28" or 30" if available.