Number of Rifle grooves? 4 vs 5 vs 6

Flip of the coin on barrels and grooves

I've had some really good 5 r barrels and 1 avg barrel.
the 4 grooves I've had has all been shooters.
most recent was a hawk hill 4 grove that is amazing. It's on a 300 prc that shoot 215 insanely accurate.
I think any high end barrel is really good
it's more the smith and the reamer used that makes the difference.
one thing is the lands on the 4 groove is bigger. Bite more into a cup and core bullet. Pros and cons there.
4 grooves I move read last longer but I've not document enough on that test

Coldfinger said:

I've always wondered if their recommendations are geared toward excessive inventory to unload. Not saying it's true but I've always wondered about it.

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Yes, I thought about that prior to your post. The sales tech told me that Bartlein was running two shifts to keep up with demand and it would only take about 6 months to machine my barrel, and I would have it in time for the fall hunting season. He said that Bartlein had cut back on orders from the big suppliers so they could provide more barrels for individuals like me which was originally the focus of their business. He said that one commercial supplier had made orders for as many as 160 barrels at one time. I asked about military and Government orders and he said they did have some orders but it would not affect my order.

I have nothing to offer here, but interesting topic.

338 dude said:

Odd numbers are less intrusive on the bullet, the lands are not across from each other, but I've had several proof barrels with four grooves that shot very well.

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Is this anything like a 3 vs. 4 legged stool?

Has anyone noticed if cup and core like something different than monos or vice-versa?

4 and 5 grove, hold the most shooting records by a wide margin.

So has anyone tried the Polygonal rifling from Pac-Nor?

Or the 4 groove "Rachet" rifling from Shilen?

I have known several match shooters with the Shilen Rachet rifling that had good success.

A friend has an HK polygonal barrel on a custom AR 15 in 223 that shoots very well. Somehow he and I got a Polygonal barrel blank each back in the late 80s. The gunsmith put his polygonal barrel on the AR, and I traded mine for a chambering job.

Jud96 said:

I've been liking the Lilja 3G barrels a lot. They seem to clean up, shoot great, and are fast without pressuring up as early as I expect.

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Me too! I have two; .270 AI and .30 LARA.

I have had a number of Pac Nor and Lilja 3 groove but in varmint calibers, they were fast, no problem.

I have two 3 Groove barrels from X Caliber barrels, in 3R configuration, one is a 6 Dasher while the other is not chambered. This X caliber barrel is very accurate, also.

Jud96 said:

I've had 3, 4, 5R, and 6 groove barrels. I haven't really had an issue with any of them other than the 4 groove that was a bad barrel in general and the 6 groove barrels were factory Remingtons. I've been liking the Lilja 3G barrels a lot. They seem to clean up, shoot great, and are fast without pressuring up as early as I expect. I don't think it matters a whole lot for accuracy. I think a good barrel is a good barrel. Look around at what the benchrest and F-Class guys are using.

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Are you insinuating something or am I reading too much into it? Inquiring minds want to know what the F-Class guys are using!

Dirtrax said:

Are you insinuating something or am I reading too much into it? Inquiring minds want to know what the F-Class guys are using!

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I was just saying to look at what those guys are using because whatever it is will be good.

std7mag said:

So has anyone tried the Polygonal rifling from Pac-Nor?

Or the 4 groove "Rachet" rifling from Shilen?

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I have a Schneider barreled McMillan tac338(polygonal rifled)that shoots bugholes. Very easy to clean also.

I would think 2 groves would be the most efficient and less pressure building. But what do I know.

My opinions vary depending on bore size and manufacturer as well as intended use. Best to ask you gunsmith if he has a preference with the manufacturer you want to use.