Which barrel contour?
I have a VZ-24 action that I would like to have re-barreled to 375-06 AI. Which barrel contour should I have. I quess what I'm asking is what contour barrel do most rifles in this caliber class have?
Thanks
17 May 2007, 17:38
brayhavenquote:
Originally posted by DPM:
I have a VZ-24 action that I would like to have re-barreled to 375-06 AI. Which barrel contour should I have. I quess what I'm asking is what contour barrel do most rifles in this caliber class have?
Thanks
It's a matter of preference, but I like a little weight in my barrel. I shoot offhand a lot. I wouldn't use a barrel with less than .700 muzzle diameter on a .375 and .750 is even better. I'd go pick up some rifles in 375 and feel the balance while sighting etc. IIRC, the brownings have a lighter barrel but the rugers have a larger one. May give you an idea.
17 May 2007, 19:54
BuliwyfI agree with brayhaven's comment. Take a look at the Kreiger website for contour pictures.
18 May 2007, 03:01
WestpacShilen lists a 5A that would be almost perfect.
18 May 2007, 07:06
snowcatI guess I'll have to respectfully disagree with the other posters. I own a 375-06 Ackley on a VZ-24. I had a nice Talley handle installed but it otherwise required no mods--feeds incredibly slick, even from mil mags.
I went with the Shilen #3 cut to 23" and its perfect. This rifle is not a hard kicker and the balance is about perfect (so good I just rebarrelled a nice P17 Enfield in 375 RUM with the another #3 Shilen). I think the barrel was in the $160 range.
Mine, with fairly heavy Bastogne stock, comes in around 8# which feels just right, and like I said, balance is nice.
2550 with the 260 Accubond ain't half bad either!
Thanks guys for all the input.
18 May 2007, 17:31
brayhavenquote:
Originally posted by Westpac:
Shilen lists a 5A that would be almost perfect.
I used a Douglas silhouette contour on the last one I built (last month) and it has great balance, centered at the front action screw which I like. It holds great offhand and points like it's part of you.
But, like I said, it's a matter of personal preference.
Customer was thinking about a lighter barrel, but has thanked me for convincing him to go with this one (.750 muzzle dia.) after shooting it for a month.
This was a 375/338 though, and you might get by with a little lighter bbl in the 375/06 as Jay suggests.
19 May 2007, 10:48
snowcatGood point--its easy to forget that my perfect is just that

The Shilen #3 is (I believe) .625 at the muzzle...