John,

Mr. Forbes recommended a 24" 1-8" ROT $2 contour barrel for the 256 Newton. He suggested 26" if I was going to go with the 6.5-06 and bullets over 140 grains, but I'm thinking that another 256 Newton would be fun, since it has the perfect case capacity for a non-magnum long action .264" bore, even if the cases are a PITA to make.

JEff