Barrel profiles: stepped vs tapered

[diablizzard]

I am ready to pull the trigger on a pair of barrels.  I am trying to decide on the profiles for each.  The project is a savage SA with 2 different caliber/barrel setups.  My biggest question is will I gain anything from the stepped profiles over the tapered.  This will be my primary hunting rifle but it will see a bunch of range time.


The first caliber I'm running is 6.8 SPC with a 16" barrel. The goal with this one is to be fairly light and maneuverable. I am thinking that the D4 or the S1 Sporter profile.



The second caliber is 7mm-08 REM with a 22" barrel. I want this one to be able to comfortable shoot across open fields. I expect it to have a little heavier barrel in anticipation of the longer ranges. The profiles I have in mind for this one is the D5 or S2 H-Sporter.

I appreciate any help.

[GLSHOOTER]

I'm not seeing any D profiles in my notes. Have you got a link on that one?

Taper is the way to go vs. a true step. Better harmonics that way.

I think you would be OK with your choice on the S versions.

Greg

[diablizzard]

I found the D-profiles on this page columbiariverarms.com/bolt-action-prefits/

I found some answers as to why there are stepped profiles. 

• Weight Saving
• allow room for expansion
• more surface area for heat dissipation - in fact there is less SA and also less metal to handle the heat

With that I think I am leaning more towards the tapered barrels because most stocks are made to allow the barrel to float.  I definitely agree the weight will help with handling while aiming but I don't want to sacrifice much for the outdoor trekking.  Rifles can get heavy quick when you're walking around in the woods and across fields.