which is better?

[sureshot2040]

im thinking abt getting another 223 handi
should i get the fluted varmint? or just a heavy barreled gun?
does either have an advantage over the other?
it will be used mainly for bench shooting accuracy

[cgoff]

  Fluted barrels are suppose to be stiffer and allow for quicker cooling because of more surface area which should cut down on the amount of time spent allowing the barrel  to cool between shots

[quickdtoo]

Fluted barrels are only stiffer if they weigh the same as a comparable non-fluted barrel, a fluted barrel that's the same diameter/weight as a solid non-fluted barrel will be less stiff than the solid barrel.

Tim

http://www.riflebarrels.com/products/barrel_length_fluting.htm

http://www.snipercountry.com/Articles/RealBenefitsBarrelFluting.asp

[Datil]

 Ihave a 223 that is 24 in bull barrel that shots pretty da-- good, I don't know about a fluted barrel,
 Never shot one. Marv.

[Couger]

 Ihave a 223 that is 24 in bull barrel that shots pretty da-- good, I don't know about a fluted barrel,
 Never shot one. Marv.

In a .223 that's the same barrel I'd choose - and not a fluted barrel.

Bench rest shooting - you don't need to worry too much about weight, unless its something you really want!  Twas me, I'd put a Harris bipod on the "bench gun" so any weight savings would indeed be moot.

[LaOtto222]

I can not believe people think a fluted barrel is stiffer after part of the barrel has been cut away. They are lighter (less stiff) and more barrel cooling is minimal. I am not sure where it started that fluting makes a barrel stiffer, but it sure is alive and well.