So, I am trying to blueprint a new rifle I think I want to have built, and I have done some searching, and I'm trying to get a 'feel' for the weight and balance of a Lilja #2 @ 26" on a 700 long action.

...or #3 fluted?

Is that similar to a Remington sporter weight, or magnum contour?

I have a donor 700 30-06 ADL action, and I've been wanting a 22-6mm (224 TTH) 8-twist 3-groove at 26" to max out the speed.

It was gonna be used as a walking crow, coyote and groundhog rifle. I am not big on barrel weight out front, I just want something balanced between the hands, 'sporter' heavy but not ultralight or Sendero sized. Maybe 7.5-8# with the scope?

I recently had a fast twist 22-250 built. Barrel was a Hawk Hill profiled to Lilja #2 at 22”. It’s perfect for me. Bare rifle in an edge stock weights 6lbs which is what I was looking for. It’s a pretty light contour but with that bore diameter being only .224 it isn’t too light

I have a .243 built with a Lilja #3 fluted and finished @ 23". The #3 is pretty close to a Remington mag profile I would say. Balance on my .243 is about perfect, its in a Classic Edge stock and with a Leupold scope I was at 7 lbs 6 ozs or so, now with a NXS 2.5-10x42 I'm at 8 lbs 3ozs.

Thanks for the input guys.

Sounds like a #2 or perhaps even a fluted #3. I have to keep in mind my barrel will be a few inches longer.

I'm not sure you can flute a .308 bore in a # 3 Lilja. I was talking with Dan Lilja about 5 week ago on this same subject. He could do a 3 if I went with a smaller caliber than .308
Just FYI

I have a 30-06 # 2 with a 3 grove from Lilja it works great.

I had a 280ai with a 26” #2 in a McMillan Edge and it weighed 7lbs even. I wouldn’t call it a heavy sporter. I’m a fan of the Bartlein 3b for a mid sized contour.

My 280 AI sports a #1 Lilja. Wouldn’t exactly call it a pencil barrel. But, the gun is 6.14 scoped & ready to hunt.

I read somewhere, can't remember where right now, that a Lilja #1 falls between the Rem Mountain Rifle contour and the Remington standard caliber contour, if that helps any.

I have done two Lilja #2's, a 270 WCF and 308, both 22". The 308 is s/a Rem 700 BDL in McM Edge w/13.75" LOP and weighs 7 lb. 5 oz. w/4 rounds ammo, sling, Weaver bases/rings and Leupold FXII 4x. Both shoot lights out and probably wouldn't want either much lighter in those bore diameters.

Am considering a #1 in a smaller caliber though, probably a 6mm CM or plain jane 243, possibly a 25-06.

Please, if you do go #2, let us (24HC) know how the longer barrel works out for balance etc.

Just FWIW.

J23,

I tried posting a contour chart here but the damn file size restriction makes unreadable - I'll PM you.

I have a Lilja #2 on my M70 300 H&H, I think it's a great mid-weight barrel in that setup and it's shot very well. It dropped into my Echols Legend stock perfectly.

Wow guys, thanks for all of the very helpful responses! Weight is important, but trying to predict the balance seems to be a bit harder. I'd hate to get a rifle home from the 'smith and dislike it after all the time and money invested. More than anything, I'm just trying to avoid a barrel heavy situation.



Your rifle seems to be the closest to the one I'm planning to have built. Was your #2 a Lilja? I'm finding that every manufacturers #2 is a bit different. The weight seems to be about spot on. I'm sure the .224" bore will add a little weight, but I cant see it being too significant. Hows the balance?

I was going to go with a McMillan, but not sure about the Edge fill yet. Maybe a Remington Classic? That will be the next decision.

Other than the critters mentioned that sounds like a perfect set up for a 6mm Remmy or a 25-06.

Tagged to see where this goes.

Have a BDL 270 I may want to do something with.

Lilja's contours are on the lighter side when compared to most other manufacturers. I think the #2 Lilja will be perfect for what you are doing with a 26" barrel. I had one on a rifle I no longer own. Nice and light barrel contour without being whippy. I regret selling it.

I have built (4) #3 Liljas in 257 or 7mm and they shoot so much better than I can, I should try going thinner in the barrel.

Your rifle seems to be the closest to the one I'm planning to have built. Was your #2 a Lilja? I'm finding that every manufacturers #2 is a bit different. The weight seems to be about spot on. I'm sure the .224" bore will add a little weight, but I cant see it being too significant. Hows the balance?

I was going to go with a McMillan, but not sure about the Edge fill yet. Maybe a Remington Classic? That will be the next decision.
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Pacnor #2 on mine. I was happy with it but have another slightly heavier 280ai that I kept as I have other flyweights in the safe.