How much heat can it take before I see adverse effects? 7-08 +/- 40.0g of Varget or maybe H4350 which is known to produce more heat. 5 shots? 7-10?

I have a couple 2bs and a 3b coming

I would put it more towards 10 to educated guess it

3b is a chunk

A 3B is has some meat on it. It's my favorite "hunting" barrel contour and can easily double as a good target barrel in a hunting rifle. You'll be fine with whatever you want to throw at it in a bolt gun. I've built 26 and 28 Nosler's on that contour, and they hold up to heat just fine for multiple shots. In a 7-08, no problem.

Wp, what contour was that I shot of yours the other day? The bigun.

That was less of a contour and more of a truck axle. Straight taper to 1” at the muzzle.


Gentleman I appreciate all the input so far. Keep it coming. This will mostly be for target shooting. I have a Heavy Varmint sitting in the kitchen table ready to go but the 3B wouldn’t hurt my feelings if it will do the job.

If it's for a dedicated target rifle, I'd go a little heavier. I like a beefier barrel for target. A #4 contour or Rem Sendero profile works well for a light weight target size barrel. The 3B is good for a hunting rifle with a little target shooting mixed in. It should do fine for keeping the weight down some and doubling as a target gun, especially if you have a shorter barrel.

buy my 6br

Never saw that coming

Chad is right for a dedicated target gun I'd use the heavy varmint. 3b is what I'd call a heavy hunting profile, but will get you a good 5/8-24 shoulder out at 24". #4 is my perfect hunting profile for a 20" barrel, good shoulder for a 5/8-24 thread.

3b is what normal barrel manufacturers call a #5...drives me CRAZY they don't all use the same numbering system but that's another post

yes, a 3b will do well at 500 yards

Just ordered the #4. Problem solved. Hopefully. Now to sell the HV.

Wrong hand. Im way too deep in this one already. Already have all components.