I am new to Schuetzen and am putting together a 32-40 bench rifle.  As I plan for the 28" barrel, I see two options.

One would be to go with a straight taper about 1.150 at the breech tapering to 1" at the muzzle, which would fit my existing round forearm, and then use a barrel clamp sled; or, make the barrel a straight 1.150 and make a new flat forearm 3" wide to ride the front bag.

What say you?

Paul

You will probably gets better results easier with a wide forearm. All the top guns use modern bench rest style stocks. That doesn't mean you can't compete with the old stuff, just have to work a little harder 

Do the tapered barrel. Make a large BR style forestock. Use it when you shoot BR. Think you will find you get just as good scores resting the barrel on your rifle rest. 

Tapered barrel looks a lot better than straight. Resale value. 

         Joe.

If the rifle is to be a dedicated bench rifle get the blank you want set it up between centers and just take off enough material to true the barrel end to end leave it straight. Use a set of benchrest stocks with the toe of the butt stock parallel to the bottom of the three-inch wide forend. 
For a chambering I would use one of the .357-based cartridges. As time goes on I like a slightly longer case they are easier to handle and load. As long as the inside of the case has reasonably straight sides a wad can be placed anywhere along the inside of the case to insure powder density. As long as the powder is held off the powder between .050” and .100” you will have no problems.

40 Rod