Sorry if this is a dumb question but from what I have read, this is the place to get the best info on the technical aspect of shooting..... You guys know FAR more than I in this area, but I am slowly learning.... I have a Marlin, bolt action 30-06 that I reload for. It has a 21.25 in. barrel, outside measurement. I am wondering if it is possible, practical, boneheaded, etc. to get a new barrel that is longer and heavier? I do not know how many rounds have gone through it I know, that is something that I MUST know but I did not get into more accurate shooting until after I had shot it a bit. I use it at the range as well as for whitetail hunting. I do not walk very far with it to hunt so weight is not an issue. If it is a good idea/possible, what am I looking at cost wise? I shoot more paper with it than animals I am looking at getting a more "exclusive" range gun but have not decided on which one. Input on that subject is also welcome. Thanks for the help, now as well as in the past!!!

I'm sure your gun could be rebarreled by a good 'smith. Cost would be from $300-$500 depending on barrel and finish. If you are really looking to get into accuracy, you could be money ahead to buy a heavy barreled Savage with the new accutrigger (most likely to shoot well right out of the box) or a Remington Sendero (will eventually shoot if you don't run out of money for parts and modifications). Just my $.02

Thanks Fan, I am thinking that I will be getting a new Savage but am not sure about which caliber: 22-250 or .250. Time will tell

If ALL you shoot is paper targets, and nothing larger than a coyote as far as animals are concerned, get the .22/250. You CAN kill deer with a .22/250, if you load a hot handload with a premium bullet like the Nosler Partiton, but it is not recommended or even legal in some states. If you want a good round for shooting deer, but mainly paper, you want something that doesn't kick too badly, and, more important, is easy on barrels. Get a .250 Savage or .257 Roberts with a heavy barrel that has a 1/10 twist!!

Hunter333, there were no dumb questions in your post, but I have a question: what kind of groups do you get from your Marlin? The only Marlin 30-06 I know of is a sporter, and I suspect it could be made to shoot very well with a tweak or two.

I ask because if you want extreme accuracy, you will almost certainly have to go with a Remington of some sort, or maybe a full custom on a Nesika Bay or other semi-benchrest action. If that's the case, there is no point in putting another dime into the Marlin.

So tell us a little more about yourself and what you want out of life. Okie John.

okie, thanks for asking. I am shooting 1/2 in. 5 shot groups at 100 yds and 1.5-2.5 in. groups at 200 yards. I know that the accuracy can be improved but with all of this dang snow in MI it is hard to get to the range I reload but have not gotten into the exactness issues that will make my shooting even better. I have taken 5 deer with my handloads, shots being 100 or so yds. I am a teacher so I have all summer off which means: MORE shooting time!!! What I want from life? One hole grouping I am looking seriously at a .250 Savage with a heavy barrel but have not made up my mind yet.

if you are getting .5" out of a sporter barrel then what are you complaining about?? I would leave it as is, have you had the trigger adjusted?? i would keep the 30.06 for deer and get another gun to tinker with like a .22-250 or .223 for varmits and paper punching.

I most heartfully concur concur with Cummins Cowboy. Leave it be and get your self another varminter.

"GET TO THE HILL"

Dog

I have custom barrels that can't hold 1/2 inch at 100. If you have factory 06 that can do that, I concur, don't mess with it.

Thanks for the advise all! I have had the trigger adjusted but thats it. I will leave it alone and just have to get another gun it seems I hate when that happens! LOL