Is a heavier rifle barrel really necessary for long range "big game" hunting?
After all were taking just one or two shots to kill an animal.
I use a #1 barrel and reaching and hitting at 1000 is not that difficult.
So why do we need heavier barrels?
Good question...I don't think a guy does, although some prefer them.In a standard case 6.5 through 7mm, I'll take a #1 along the lines of a Krieger or Brux,and a #2 for anything on a magnum case in the same calibers.
A #2 Krieger has been my standard in various 7mm Mags for years.Last Sunday I shot my Mashburn Super with a #2 Krieger at 600 yards with plain old 139 Hornady's...I suspect anything I drew down on woulda been in for some hurt.
In a BG rifle to be lugged in my hands in rough country,I would never go above a #3,and I don't talk about #4's until I get to 375 cal or thereabouts.
