Cal-ApeR wrote:My understanding is both, weight and heat dissipation. I do wonder though if the fluting makes it more like a sporter in thickness. In the end, I would want to see less heat in a 243 barrel to save some barrel life. If my thoughts above are correct, I would suspect one would be better served with the traditional varmint barrel purely for barrel life. Unless fluted is significantly lighter of course.
Chappo wrote:I was also of the assumption that a heavy barrel equals longer life. I thought this was because hotter steel wears quicker. Am I wrong?
Cal-ApeR wrote:Thanks fellas, will let you know which way he goes. I personally hadn't given any thought to Cutting down a barrel to around 20". What do Smith's charge for this and re-crowning? I guess though but doing this you'll lose a lot of the benefits the 243 has with velocity.
Glad I've already got my toys. I have suggested he just get a 223 heavy barrel and a 308 sporter for the walking but he is a tightwad and only wants one.
Anyone here with a short barrel 243?
Cal-ApeR wrote:Thanks fellas, will let you know which way he goes. I personally hadn't given any thought to Cutting down a barrel to around 20". What do Smith's charge for this and re-crowning? I guess though but doing this you'll lose a lot of the benefits the 243 has with velocity.
Glad I've already got my toys. I have suggested he just get a 223 heavy barrel and a 308 sporter for the walking but he is a tightwad and only wants one.
Anyone here with a short barrel 243?
in2anity wrote:Chappo wrote:I was also of the assumption that a heavy barrel equals longer life. I thought this was because hotter steel wears quicker. Am I wrong?
Mate the throat goes first - not sure how much the profile would affect this, my guess is not much. Then again a longer 24” will give you some wiggle room to get it re-cut down the track. Also my 2c I think it’s a terrible idea lugging a varmint rifle around on foot. You just need to do it once to realize how tiring it is (compared to something light).
Chappo wrote:I was also of the assumption that a heavy barrel equals longer life. I thought this was because hotter steel wears quicker. Am I wrong?
Stix wrote:Chappo wrote:I was also of the assumption that a heavy barrel equals longer life. I thought this was because hotter steel wears quicker. Am I wrong?
No you're not wrong Chappo, just not quite right...
So lets say 5 shots fired in a sporter barrel.
The same 5 shots fired in a heavy barrel.
These shots generate the same amount of heat that contributes to the same amount of thtoat/barrel wear.in both barrels.
The difference is, the varmint barrel is heavier & therefor resists "bending" (throwing shots) for longer, because it is more rigid...so all 5 shots hit the bull...
But it takes longer for that heat to travel through the thicker steel to its surface...
However, because the surface area is greater it disipates the heat quicker (once the heat is at the surface).
The sporter barrel starts to "move" (bend (?)) from the heat after only 2 or 3 shots because ot is less rigid, so the 5 shot group is a little "looser"...
But given the steel is thinner, the heat travels to the surface quicker...
However, takes longer than the heave barrel to get rid of the heat (again, only once the heat is to the surface).
Bottom line, my experience tells me a sporter barrel cools quicker...noticsble if shooting groups & waiting for barrel to cool between groups..
Not sure ive explained it that well but its the best i got right now...