Originally Posted By: fishmaster
My objective was to build the smallest and lightest backcountry rifle I could without giving up both.



That's a dandy hunting rifle recipe.

Misconceptions regarding barrel length relative to velocity/accuracy are common. In general, all powder is burned within 3-inches of the barrel throat. Unless one is shooting something like a .308 at 1k, and you want to wisely stay above supersonic speeds at that distance, there really isn't a need to go outside a spout length of 20" - 24" and a #2 contour in a hunting rifle. Unless one doesn't care a wit about weight/balance....

Again, the bullet/intended use is more important than case head stamp or barrel length/contour. Pick the former, and adjust the latter variables in accord for your own recipe. Improving an heirloom .270 should be both fun and rewarding. I know that Brad's efforts will bring both.