What is the best chunk gun barrel.

[Kyblackpowder]

Hello
I’m new to this forum , I thinking about building a chunk gun for a winter project and I’m looking for a maker for a barrel . And what is the best caliber for a chunk gun ? It’s going be flint that I know already. What style makes a chunk gun  like a Virginia style . Thanks kybp

[rich pierce]

Most barrels will out-shoot the one pulling the trigger. Many small shops popular with chunk gun shooters are no longer making barrels. Ed Rayl is still busy and popular with chunk gun shooters wanting a barrel 1.5” across the flats. If you want a light chunk gun then there are many choices. Rice is popular in my club. Of course if you can find an old Getz chunk barrel or a Goodeine (I cannot spell his name) or another specialist barrel maker making match barrels, go for it after running a patch down.

.50 caliber is popular with slow twist and heavy loads up to 140 grains among those I know. You get high velocity and less wind drift than with a smaller caliber. If not concerned with wind, smaller calibers can work well. A lot depends on whether you want a “dead serious” chunk gun or one that will do very well and not weigh over 25 pounds.

Style does not matter a bit for heavy chunk guns. You’ve got to be able to get your face down on the sights while prone.  If you’re looking for a table gun under 14 pounds or whatever the limit is, then a gun can be made that doesn’t look like a behemoth.

[tallbear]

I would talk to Bobby Hoyt....not only is he a good barrel maker he is a fine chunk gun shooter.............

Mitch

[Cades Cove Fiddler]

  ... Les Bauska made four barrels for Over-the Log guns back in 1968, I think, I believe all were .40cal., and 64 " long,... some were 1 1/8", some 1 1/4",... all were hand made, hand cut-rifled and hand lapped,... I have one in "Old Mike", Eric Rolle has one in his rifle and Bill Irons has one in his rifle, AND an extra barrel that has never been used,.. he offered it for sale a couple years ago,.. if you want a proper Soddy match rifle, check with him,... regards,... Cades Cove Fiddler

[oldtravler61]

  I know of a couple for sale. Couple of the guy's on here have one . They are great shooters.
P. M. me for details. Might even have a couple chunk guns for sale .  Oldtravler

[WadePatton]

We have a member here who goes by Blacksmoke, his name is Hugh Toenjes, who makes supreme accuracy bbls, hand cut rifling and reaming.  He tests all his to shoot one hole (with fixture and telescopic sighting). They're bench-rest grade and priced accordingly.  Last time I checked (three years ago) they started just north of a thousand.

If I was going to be serious about rested target work, he'd be my man.  But there are many fine bbl makers out there who can fill the bill, most having a "top grade" offering in their lineup and probably plenty of winning bbls out there in the shooting matches.

from an old post by Hugh:

Here are a few "proof" targets  shot with my hand rifled barrels from my rifling bench.  Targets were shot at 100 yds. with no wiping between shots.      Hugh Toenjes

[Birddog6]

I have a real nice .50 cal Douglas 1” barrel I have not listed yet, if that is of interest.

From what I have seen, most name brand barrels will shoot far better than the feller
behind it. 

Working loads & precise documentation is a must to achieve accuracy.