Ok, I recently got a 700 barreled action and want to convert it into a 7mm stw. I planed on using a McMillan A-3 stock and would like the barrel finished at 26". My question to you guys who have done this before is what barrel contour should I go with. Would like to keep the weight of the rifle between 9 or 10 lbs while having the heviest possible contour.

Thanks
Big_un

Because I assume it will be a hunting rifle, I would say go with a 24" barrel and a #4 or "magnum" contour.

26" might be a little unwieldy for hunting not to mention you will like all the extra tolerable weight you can get for that cartridge.

-Spencer

#17 Shilen finished as long as you can get it..223ai

I did a Rem 700 similar to what you describe a few years ago. I used an HS Precision stock(about 2.25lbs) with a PacNor #4 Sporter contour. With scope, the rifle weighed just under 10 lbs. I hunted with that one deer season and sent the barrel back to get the contour redone. The rifle was way too heavy for packing up and down the ridges in high Sierras at 8000ft. PacNor recontoured the barrel to a #2 contour. I also paid extra to have it fluted. Now the rifle is just under 8 lbs with scope and recoil is resonable. The barrel is 26", just like you mentioned you would like.

In my opinion, 24" is just too short for a 7mm STW or any other cartidge with that much powder capacity. You will loose between 100 and 200fps without those extra 2". If you go with 24" you won't lose as much velocity with a 7mm Rem Mag.

My own 7mmstw's have a #3 barrel and a fluted #4 barrel.I actually prefer the latter as it seems to balance slightly better to me.Do not build any 7mmstw with a barrel shorter than 26" or you will never see the cartridges potential.

Ok, I cancel my previous statement.

26" it is, but you may want a little more weight in a big magnum like that.

-Spencer