New Member/TC Owner/ect. that Needs Suggestions...

[JoeK]

Hola!  My name is Joe and I'm new to TC's and this board.  I recently picked up a Prohunter frame with thumbhole stock and have some barrel questions...

There appears to be about a billion barrel manufacturer's out there and I would appreciate any opinions on them. 

Here's what I'm looking for:
300 WinMag, 26", stainless with a muzzle brake.  Hopefully around $500ish or less...

Use:  Elk and antelope at home (Colorado) and Wyoming.  My shots range from 150 to 400yds. 

I'm also interested in a good muzzle brake.  Why?  I'm by no means recoil averse (I shoot a 45/70), but don't want to get the bejeezus beat out of me at the range. 

Less lead time = more better!  I will wait 3-4 months if I have to, but I'd rather not!   

Thanks!
Joe

[upnorth]

contact Kerry at MGM. Usually a 4 week turnaround for a custom barrel. Go to www.matchgrademachine.com

[manofthe45]

Eabco can get you what you want.  Foxrigde is T/C custom shop and can make you what ever you want.  SSK is very good too

[OhioCruffler]

contact Kerry at MGM. Usually a 4 week turnaround for a custom barrel. Go to www.matchgrademachine.com

I second that one.  Others may be great, but I know that Kerry *is* great to work with and does good work.  My MGM barrel is a work of art.

[southern utah]

I have had only one hunting rifle with a muzzle brake. It's gone and will never own another. the muzzle blast back without hearing protection is not worth any lighter recoil. I have a factory 300 WM 26" barrel and use the composite stocks. My girl shoots it with no problem. The prohunter buttstock should absorb more still. Unless you want to hunt with ear muffs drop the brake. If you want less recoil go the 308. Put the extra $ in optics.

[cam69conv]

I have had only one hunting rifle with a muzzle brake. It's gone and will never own another. the muzzle blast back without hearing protection is not worth any lighter recoil. I have a factory 300 WM 26" barrel and use the composite stocks. My girl shoots it with no problem. The prohunter buttstock should absorb more still. Unless you want to hunt with ear muffs drop the brake. If you want less recoil go the 308. Put the extra $ in optics.

I second that...Also....All reports so far are great with the new Pro Hunter barrels...28 inch will give you a bit more speed and like southern said...that flextech stock DOES reduce felt recoil by 40+%...All a Muzzle brake is gonna do with a 300 is bust your eardrums even with muffs...A few people I have talked to with the .300 Pro Hunter barrels have had great accuracy with them so far and the new stock works terrificly...Oh yeah...with a brake on a .300....Expect to be hated at the range!!!!

[JoeK]

Well, gentlemen, I succumbed to the pressure of seeing an available barrel at the store.  I ended up with the 7mm Prohunter barrel.   

Out of curiosity...will I see any marked increases in muzzle velocity with a 7mm in a 28" barrel vs. a shorter barrel?

[cam69conv]

Yessir....And if you reload you are opening the door to even better results...you will be able to load that cartrige up....The longer the barrel the longer that bullet is in there for powder to burn...While reloading you will be able to use a little slower powder as well with better pressures (always follow CUP pressure warnings from the manufacturer). I cant wait till I get my setup with the prohunter...I've heard nothing but good things so far from them!!! With shorter barrels its pretty much a waste of powder to load to the hilt as several grains are just flashing off after the bullet has exited (usless) Good luck and enjoy!!