Bartlein Barrel - SS, .308 Cal, B# Custom, 9 twist, 35" blank, 5R

Do Contours Affect Barrel Weight?

Yes, barrel contours do affect the weight of the barrel. Heavier contours can provide better stability and resistance to movement as the barrel heats up, which can result in improved shooting consistency.

Do Heavier Contours Shoot Better Than Lighter Contours?

Heavier contours can often perform better as they help resist barrel movement caused by heat. However, lighter weight contours can still perform exceptionally well, and the critical factor may not solely depend on contour weight.

Should Suppressors Be Used with Any Barrel Contour?

No, suppressors are generally more effective when used with heavier barrel contours. They can affect the harmonic vibrations of the barrel, and it's recommended not to use suppressors on contours smaller than a medium palma contour.

Why is Single Point Cut Rifling Better Than Button Rifling?

Single point cut rifling is preferred over button rifling because it does not induce as much stress into the barrel blank. Button rifling can lead to increased stress, especially as contours become smaller, potentially affecting bore sizes and threading the muzzle.

Why is Fluting a Barrel Important?

Fluting reduces barrel weight without changing the contour, improves barrel cooling by increasing surface area, and adds an aesthetic touch to the barrel's appearance. However, excessive fluting can cause harmonic and vibration issues.

Why is the Rifling on a Barrel Important?

The style or number of grooves in rifling doesn't significantly impact accuracy or barrel life. Bartlein Barrels offers 4-groove, 5R, and Conventional-5 rifling styles. 5R rifling is known for helping prevent bullet failure and improving bullet flight due to its gentler angles and odd number of lands.

Exceptions to this include short jacket 6mm bullets used by short-range bench shooters, which may not perform as well with 5R rifling due to the bullet's design.