7BC build barrel advice

[av8nAK]

Hey, guys. FNG here looking to build my first custom hunting rifle. I’m not trying to build the ultimate ultralight rifle, but want a short overall length do-it-all Alaska rifle that will travel up some mountains. With that in mind, I’m leaning towards a 7BC. I already have a .338WM for bears. Here are my planned components at the moment. So far only the HNT26 stock has been purchased.
Stock: MDT HNT26
Action: Falkor LW7
Trigger: TriggerTech Diamond?
Scope: 3-18x44 ZeroTech (deposit paid)
Barrel: ? (I’m wanting a 16” barrel.)
Rings/bases: ?
I like the idea of Proof’s PXT rifling, especially for the higher pressure of the 7BC, but in keeping with the short overall length I’d like to pair it with an OTB suppressor. Right now I’m thinking the OG 30 which should be out soon. The Proof barrel isn’t going to pair with that particular suppressor. I’d like to keep the barrel weight around 2.5 pounds if possible. I’m considering a steel contour similar to a Bartlein 2B (huge lead time), Hart #3, or ACE #1 just so it’s not super thin. Or is that too thin? I’d like to be able to shoot at least 5 rounds at the range before having to let the thing cool so I don’t get bullets walking about from heat. In anyone else’s experience is that doable with those contours? With fluting that might get barrel weight down to around 2.5 pounds? My math puts total weight of the rifle with scope and suppressor at roughly 8.3 pounds or so if I can do the 2.5 pound barrel. That’s acceptably luggable. Given my goals, what would you do differently? Barrel advice? Thanks!

 

[IrkedCitizen]

Carbon is pretty but that's about all you get from it. Isn't PXT rifling just rebranded Gain twist? Gain twist has been around for a while

I don't necessarily buy in to the 7bc hype but if that's what you want to get then by all means. If I was building a 7mm long action I would go with the 7-300prc and shoot Sierra 185gr TMK bullets. ADG brass has headstamped brass available for it.


You can buy a stainless steel blank from Patriot Valley Arms with several contours to choose from. Lead times are not horrible because the blanks are on the wall ready for contouring. Then find a gunsmith to chamber it.

OBW - 7mm blanks All Contours

[email protected]

patriotvalleyarms.com

Or you can buy a prefit barrel and he offers both 7bc and 7-300prc.

Osprey 7mm Prefit Barrels - All Actions

Precision rifle prefit barrels for all actions, custom ordered and ready to install. No machining or gunsmithing required. Match winning Osprey barrels by Patriot Valley Arms; we Engineer Repeatability. 100% Made in USA

patriotvalleyarms.com

I've been using his .750" taperless contour lately. You can see weights that people have posted in the thread below

Thread 'PVA Taperless Tikka Pre-fit weights'

Jul 16, 2024

For anybody that has a 0.75" or 0.68" taperless PVA Tikka prefit, would you mind sharing the caliber, weight, length, and fluting of your barrel?

• gtriple
• Replies: 56
• Forum: Firearms

• 

 

[UncleNommies]

Unless you are dead set on the OG 30, there are other options for suppressors on a Proof Carbon barrel contour. Dead Air sells the Nomad OTB Ti which is rated for 7bc down to a 16 in barrel. Also airlock sells the Zero Gravity 7, which is not a OTB but it's only adds 4.8 inches to the barrel length and it's 6.6 oz.

 

[av8nAK]

Carbon is pretty but that's about all you get from it. Isn't PXT rifling just rebranded Gain twist? Gain twist has been around for a while

I don't necessarily buy in to the 7bc hype but if that's what you want to get then by all means. If I was building a 7mm long action I would go with the 7-300prc and shoot Sierra 185gr TMK bullets. ADG brass has headstamped brass available for it.


You can buy a stainless steel blank from Patriot Valley Arms with several contours to choose from. Lead times are not horrible because the blanks are on the wall ready for contouring. Then find a gunsmith to chamber it.

OBW - 7mm blanks All Contours

[email protected]

patriotvalleyarms.com

Or you can buy a prefit barrel and he offers both 7bc and 7-300prc.

Osprey 7mm Prefit Barrels - All Actions

Precision rifle prefit barrels for all actions, custom ordered and ready to install. No machining or gunsmithing required. Match winning Osprey barrels by Patriot Valley Arms; we Engineer Repeatability. 100% Made in USA

patriotvalleyarms.com

I've been using his .750" taperless contour lately. You can see weights that people have posted in the thread below

Thread 'PVA Taperless Tikka Pre-fit weights'

Jul 16, 2024

For anybody that has a 0.75" or 0.68" taperless PVA Tikka prefit, would you mind sharing the caliber, weight, length, and fluting of your barrel?

• gtriple
• Replies: 56
• Forum: Firearms

• 

That’s good info! Thanks! The reason for the 7BC is to get decent velocity with a 16” barrel. I’m going for a compact package. I have a 12.5” 6.5CM that’s a lot of fun, but my 143ELD-X is leaving the muzzle at about 2350fps. Good deer rifle out to probably 400 yards at which point I’m dropping dangerously close to minimum expansion velocity. The 7BC would be a step up.

Unless you are dead set on the OG 30, there are other options for suppressors on a Proof Carbon barrel contour. Dead Air sells the Nomad OTB Ti which is rated for 7bc down to a 16 in barrel. Also airlock sells the Zero Gravity 7, which is not a OTB but it's only adds 4.8 inches to the barrel length and it's 6.6 oz.

I’m not set on the OG. Just wanting short overall length. I‘ve been looking at that Airlock one. That’s a good option and would also work on my 6.5 that won’t take an OTB suppressor due to fore end. If they ever get it in stock.

 

[IrkedCitizen]

The 7-300prc is no slouch in the speed department. Good chance of 2900fps from a 16" barrel

 

[UncleNommies]

That’s good info! Thanks! The reason for the 7BC is to get decent velocity with a 16” barrel. I’m going for a compact package. I have a 12.5” 6.5CM that’s a lot of fun, but my 143ELD-X is leaving the muzzle at about 2350fps. Good deer rifle out to probably 400 yards at which point I’m dropping dangerously close to minimum expansion velocity. The 7BC would be a step up.

I’m not set on the OG. Just wanting short overall length. I‘ve been looking at that Airlock one. That’s a good option and would also work on my 6.5 that won’t take an OTB suppressor due to fore end. If they ever get it in stock.

I feel you on that! Im shooting for compact as well. I wish manners would inlet the pro pack folder for a tikka. I'm building a 7bc off a Tikka action with a Proof barrel (still waiting on this one 2 months after ordering lol) I'm narrowed down between the two supressors I listed!

 

[BBob]

Isn't PXT rifling just rebranded Gain twist? Gain twist has been around for a while

No, it’s not your std run of the mill linear gain twist. Apples to Oranges. Not saying their claims are all valid but it’s different.

 

[av8nAK]

The 7-300prc is no slouch in the speed department. Good chance of 2900fps from a 16" barrel

I feel like I would be blowing so much powder out the barrel that even if I missed it would probably die from 3rd degree powder burns. It might even kill and grill in one step!

 

[IrkedCitizen]

Doesn't bother me if I waste a few grains of powder