Advice on Custom 260 Encore barrel

[PoorAim]

looking for some advice, as I am about to order my first custom
barrel. the desired outcome is a very lightweight compact mountain rifle.

I want it to be chambered in 260 rem and have finally decided
on a 20" length as I think it will be a good compromise length for velocity versus compactness and light weight.

Some questions I had where:

Fluting versus thin taper? Should I start with a somewhat heavy blank
(less than bull) and have it fluted, or just go to the most thin taper allowed? I'm not too concerned with stringing at the bench due to heat, as this will be a hunting gun and I am used to long waits between shots at the range, but consistent accuracy is always the best.

4 or 6 hole scope mount? I'm new to the encore here so not really sure what the difference is. I assume 6 hole is stiffer, but also maybe heavier?

Twist rate? I plan on using 120-160grain bullets nothing lighter,  so I am thinking 1:8 is the way to go, but maybe even 1:7.5? Any advice here?


Anything else I should consider??


  Thanks alot for any advice. I can't wait to get this thing!!   :grin:

[5Redman8]

No doubt fluted and 6 hole base.

Where are you going to order?  I was a huge VVGC fan when they were in buisness, I do not envy making a choice of the current Custom makers???  I never owned any of their barrels.

Not sure on twist as I am no 260 shooter.

Kyle

[Lone Star]

My .260 M700VLS has a 10" twist and shoots bullets up to 140 grains just fine, with 20-shot aggs in the .6s.  I haven't tried the 142s or 160s.  If all you want to shoot are 100-140 grain hunting/target bullets, 1:10" is fine.