Tapered VS Bull Barrels

[Randall53]

Which, if either, is more accurate?

[Garufa]

Bull barrel.

[mikegideon]

Bull... less whip, less change with temperature. Barrels are tapered to make them easier to carry around.

[dcloudy777]

The "bull" profile has the potential for greater accuracy because it is stiffer, and is less effected by the heat of sustained fire.

 

Al other things being equal, the heavier barrel will be more accurate.  However, a good tapered barrel will outshoot a not-so-good bull barrel every time.  Proper crowns, riflling, and chamber dimensions are much more important then external profile.

[Troutburger]

In my limited experience. 

 

If both are quality made the initial accuracy of a taper vs bull will be the same. But when heat is added to the equation the bull barrel will hold more true. 

[Randall53]

awesome replies. thanks to each of you.

[mikegideon]

In my limited experience. 

 

If both are quality made the initial accuracy of a taper vs bull will be the same. But when heat is added to the equation the bull barrel will hold more true. 

 

Heat is the big one. Thinner barrels will whip more, especially longer ones. It's why you see tuning devices on some thin target barrels, like this one...

 

http://www.ruger.com/products/mini14TargetRifle/models.html

 

 

EDIT: Accuracy is a pretty deep subject, and the OP asked a really short question :). It's easy to waste accuracy because of the way you use the gun, or other factors like optics and trigger. 

Edited September 9, 2013 by mikegideon

[173rdABN]

No one even mentioned harmonics? 

[mikegideon]

No one even mentioned harmonics? 

 

Whip... harmonics.

[173rdABN]

touche. didn't see that.

[graycrait]

what caliber and what rifle?

[Randall53]

Any of them really. I've seen them on rifles from 17hmr to 22 on up, auto's like the 10/22 and bolt action.

[RED333]

Yall all missed the BIGGEST factor, the one pulling the trigger, barrel of any kind wont make a bad

trigger puller better.

[I_Like_Pie]

I suppose it all depends if you are going to do a lot of missing....

[graycrait]

if you are talking 1022 I have two heavy tapered 17" barrels (.920-.750) by GM that will shoot pretty darn good at 100 and 200 meters. The problem with the .920 barrels is off hand shooting balance.  I have had a few .920 from 20" to 16" and they feel like crap except on a bag, rest or bipod.

[mikegideon]

Yall all missed the BIGGEST factor, the one pulling the trigger, barrel of any kind wont make a bad

trigger puller better.

 

Ya gotta practice there, Barack. One photo session ain't enough :)