I wouldn't feel handicapped with the tapered barrel as opposed to the bull barrel while hunting..I actually like the weight of the bull barrel myself..seems to settle the barrel down some, but I think the difference would only matter when shooting from the bench. I have a 16 1/4" 7-30 stainless tapered barrel that shoots extremely well..better than I can hold. If weight is an issue with you, go with the tapered barrel.