Let's Talk Barrels
I have never purchased a barrel before but will have to do so as part of my upcoming 6.5-06 AI project. Here's the question:
Which Name do YOU prefer in barrels....and why?
I'd also be appreciative of some recommendations for barrel length and twist-rate for the 6.5-06, shooting heavy-for-caliber(VLD)bullets.
As always, Thanks in advance!
Which Name do YOU prefer in barrels....and why?
I'd also be appreciative of some recommendations for barrel length and twist-rate for the 6.5-06, shooting heavy-for-caliber(VLD)bullets.
As always, Thanks in advance!
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Krieger with a 1-9 twist would be good. 140's are the standard PSP heavies for 6.5 and will stabilize well at that rate at velocities the 6.5-06 is capable of. I would keep length at 26" minimum.
I hotrod the Krieger on one of my 264's at max levels and it has held up much better, wear wise, than the Douglas xx in another has.
Round count, about 900 without checking, on both is close and the Douglas is about ready for setback.0 -
Don't Accuracy International come with a good barrel? I suppose one would go with a name that's been around for ages, like Harrts and a few others that escapes me right now (I blame the Crown Royal "Maple" [:D]). Surgeon would be cool to get, just because. 0 -
One of the first rifles I shot that would shoot better than I could hold was an A&M on Mauser action in 256 Newton. I think the twist rate was 1 in 7.5 inches. It would stabilize 160gr ABC bullets. With IIRC 86 gr pills it would dot the oo on Coors cans at 100 yards off the hood of the car.
I have a Newton rifle now in 30-06 ( a then new in cosmolene Rem 3- 43) a friend gave me as the 256 bbl is smooth with no trace of rifling left. One day I hope to re-rifle that bbl to 7mm-06 maybe AI. It is one of the nicest double set trigger rifles I have ever shot. I need to finish the stock pattern, the side mount for the scope and make the bolt peep sight. My plan is to make it an offhand rifle.0 -
He passed away a few years back so you can't order one, but if you happen to find a 6.5 blank made by CP Donnelly you wont find a better barrel. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by yoshmyster
Don't Accuracy International come with a good barrel? I suppose one would go with a name that's been around for ages, like Harrts and a few others that escapes me right now (I blame the Crown Royal "Maple" [:D]). Surgeon would be cool to get, just because.
Yosh, it's good to see that you appreciate -and are apparently currently njoying- good liquor....
In this particular case A.I. stands for Ackley Improved, not Accuracy Int'l....lol
Looking forward to more comments, keep 'em coming guys and thanks to those who've already responded!
BTW, are there any Shilen fans in the house??0 -
Bartlein, Brux, Broughton, Krieger, Rock Creek, Schneider, Lilja, Pac-nor, Border, Obermeyer for cut rifled barrels.
Added: Badger barrels (if they still make barrels)
Lothar Walther, Shilen (my favorite) Douglass, Hart, Criterion (button rifle made by Krieger), Benchmark for button rifled barrels.
That's the ones you want to start with I think.0 -
wanted man,
Let's make sure we have that list right for cut vs. button barrels.
Cut:
Bartlein, Brux, Broughton, Krieger (both), Rock Creek (both), Border (both), Obermeyer, Satern.
Button:
Schneider, Lilja, Pac-Nor, Shilen, Douglas.
The King of Competition barrels is Bartlein of course with their 5R cut-rifled barrels. These are hands down the most consistent barrels made to date from the cut-rifled arena. This is not meant to take away anything from the other makers but sales figures and competition parts lists don't lie. Krieger and Rock Creek are both in the second position these days after years of domination by Krieger.
Shilen used to own the point blank benchrest shooting venue but with the advent of improved technology and better steels, the others have caught up. Shilen has lagged behind for the last several years. Douglas has made some better inroads with the improvements in their equipment and technology. Some of their barrels have been superb for the button process. Others follow along with the group and are just as busy as the rest.
Gary Schneider makes the very best of the M40 barrels since he has the military contract for these. The ones I have been able to get have been extremely straight and top quality for consistency. Once you've looked at several thousand barrels, you'll understand the significance of this statement.
Other than that, virtually any of the above barrels will make a great rifle as long as the gunsmith does his job when it's his turn. Then you'll be in the hot seat to produce the best ammunition available which is accurate in your rifle.
Best.
quote:What year approximately did Shilen lose their edge over the other barrel makers? The reason I ask, I had a 338 mag made with a Shilen around 1999, seems to be fine for the period, but are barrels much better now days?
Manoa Fisherman
I would be hard pressed to come up with an exact year since it was more likely a gradual decline. They went from THE Benchrest barrel manufacturer with all the records to that of an 'also ran'. Don't misunderstand what I'm writing. They make a fine barrel but their time at the very top is over, based on current record keeping by the various shooting sport venues. Also bear in mind that manufacturers like Shilen thrive through sponsor supported shooters for their notoriety. When another sponsor comes along with a better deal, guess who steps back in the line?
I honestly believe that some technology has actually improved barrel making specifically and the shooting industry in general. I also think that the steel industry has made some advances in research and development which has had a positive effect on both as well. Combine these with some newer techniques and processes, we the consumer/shooters have benefited quite a bit. Every manufacturer in the barrel making sector has moved up in last few years. None are as awful as some used to be. Even E.R. Shaw has made some advances and has put forth a few decent barrels these days. Not great by any means but simply decent. Folks who can't get along with this assessment haven't had the pleasure of seeing and using truly great barrels.
Not every shooter needs a great barrel. The large majority will be satisfied with a decent barrel as long as it shoots consistently for a reasonable period of time. Those of us at the other end of the spectrum will use nothing but the best because we know and see the difference. Our reputations are built on them.
As I stated previously, we use Bartlein barrel predominately, followed by Schneider and Rock. I don't worry about quality, it's always there, so I can have the confidence to work with their barrels all day every day. The proof is in the targets that I and our clients shoot on a daily basis.
Best.0 -
wanted man,
I will tell you, that I have used Shilen, Douglas, Hart, and Krieger barrels. I have had a couple rifles built for me, that have the Bartlien.
You can tell the quality of a barrel, when you are breaking them in. The amount of time, and muscle needed to clean a good barrel, versus an incredible barrel, is substantially different.
You have been given some good advice here. Just remember though, that a rifle's accuracy, is not just dependant on the barrel, but how the whole system is pieced together.
To answer your question, I would go with a Bartlien barrel, with a 1 in 8 twist.
Best0 -
More good replies, I'm lovin it!
Since Nononsense already breached another of my questions...Button vs Cut, which do YOU prefer....
As time allows I will have to check out Bartlien, and see if I can live with the price. As an aside, I thought Shilen might be in the running, primarily because I have a friend who swears by them, but based on what was said here, I think not.
Feel free to continue commenting....and THANKS!0 -
There are 10 or 12 premium barrel makers out there, most of them mentioned here. As was stated there is more to it than just the barrel. I like to use Kreiger because I have had good luck with them and they cryo their barrels before cut rifeling them. Also they have great customer service. But in reality others may be just as good. The formula works so I will just stick with it although I just bought a bartlein from Grizley because Kreiger right now is way backed up. I dont know how it shoots as I haven't had time to finish the project. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by nononsense
Shilen used to own the point blank benchrest shooting venue but with the advent of improved technology and better steels, the others have caught up. Shilen has lagged behind for the last several years. Douglas has made some better inroads with the improvements in their equipment and technology. Some of their barrels have been superb for the button process. Others follow along with the group and are just as busy as the rest.
Nononsense,
What year approximately did Shilen lose their edge over the other barrel makers? The reason I ask, I had a 338 mag made with a Shilen around 1999, seems to be fine for the period, but are barrels much better now days?
Manoa Fisherman0
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