Barrels 2020

[Matno]

I have 2 X-caliber barrels. One was a Savage prefit o bought when the company was brand new and the other an AR-15 barrel in 6.5 Creedmoor I bought more recently. Fit and finish on both are amazing and both shoot consistent 1/2 moa with Hornady factory ammo. Hard to beat that. I even hit the milk jug at 1 mile with the savage in 6.5 Creedmoor

 

[tgeavenson]

Hmmmmm......... Hit a milk jug at a mile with a 6.5 creedmore........... Easy now.

 

[David Malcom]

I have been thinking about this for awhile and I want to make a thread discussing barrels and their quality as of now. Barrels like all things go up and down and change over the years. I know of a few barrel manufactures who have stepped their game up in the last couple years and seem to be producing better results. I currently am running Bartlein barrels and have no complaints about them. I however am very curious and I always like to experiment and learn more.

Having said that, if any of you could just give me a brief review or opinion on recent barrels you have used/installed/inspected I would really appreciate it. This is not a bashing thread, but I want it to be sort of a guide and understanding of where barrels stand as of 2020. I'll start off and say from my experiences , I see mainly Bartlein, Brux, Krieger, and Proof barrels. Those all seem to do well, but how about all the other guys?

I have tried most of the barrel makers mentioned. My last two have been Hawk hill. I have found them to be the best of the best. I have visited the facility more than a couple of times, and I can tell you the owner is on the machines. He takes pride in making shure that every barrel is absolutely perfect.

 

[JAYgs8163]

The problem is they're not consistent and they aren't hand lapped, I've had a few McGowans myself, all copper fouled bad and only one shot really consistent.
You can definitely get one that shoots bug holes but its a gamble

I had two Preferred Barrels and they were a nightmare to say the least.
Here's a pile of patches after 20 shots that came out of a barrel that has a mcgowan blank, this was post break in.
The two Preferred Barrels I had did the exact same thing, all three barrels shot poorly.
View attachment 230652

That's a bummer to say the least. Is that a Carbon Fiber wrapped McGowen? How long ago did you have the Preferred Barrels?

 

[Craig Miller]

Tagging in.

 

[Another Casual]

The problem is they're not consistent and they aren't hand lapped, I've had a few McGowans myself, all copper fouled bad and only one shot really consistent.
You can definitely get one that shoots bug holes but its a gamble

I had two Preferred Barrels and they were a nightmare to say the least.
Here's a pile of patches after 20 shots that came out of a barrel that has a mcgowan blank, this was post break in.
The two Preferred Barrels I had did the exact same thing, all three barrels shot poorly.
View attachment 230652

Could you elaborate on the issues with Preferred? I am in the market for a prefit to save wear on my hunting barrel and not a lot of companies offer lighter contours in in the sub-$400 area. I'm not looking for benchrest, just something around MOA to bang steel with and practice at distance. I'm currently looking at a wilson from Ragged Holes, Preferred, or one of the lighter contours from X-caliber. Xcaliber worries me that they specifically exclude their lighter contours from their accuracy guarantee. I'd buy a criterion but I'd have to sand my stock open even more to fit it.

It seems every time I read a stack of positive reviews I find a few really negative ones and I go back to the drawing board. All of the feedback in this thread has been very helpful.

To add to the thread:

I have a criterion target barrel from NSS in 6.5 creedmoor that shoots very well and does not walk with heat.

I have a rock creek #2 from PVA that shoots way too good for how light it is and has been very very easy to load for. Easily a 1/2 minute barrel in 6.5 PRC. Cleaning is a breeze as well and the barrel runs relatively fast.

I had a bartlein in the past that was excellent was well.

 

[antelopedundee]

The problem is they're not consistent and they aren't hand lapped, I've had a few McGowans myself, all copper fouled bad and only one shot really consistent.
You can definitely get one that shoots bug holes but its a gamble

I had two Preferred Barrels and they were a nightmare to say the least.
Here's a pile of patches after 20 shots that came out of a barrel that has a mcgowan blank, this was post break in.
The two Preferred Barrels I had did the exact same thing, all three barrels shot poorly.
View attachment 230652

Like the old song. blue on blue; heartache on heartache.

 

[Brad Norman]

I have two Lilja barrels both in 3G (30" 1:8" .27 cal and 27" 1:9" in .30 cal), and I am very pleased with them. Shoots accurately and hardly fouls.

Sir Feenix wrote he's using a 1:8 .27 caliber barrel, which piqued my curiosity.

I'm a big .270 Winchester fan. Unfortunately, because factory barrels have universally been twisted 1:10, this grand old cartridge has not been able to take advantage of the new long-for-caliber, higher-BC projectiles which other calibers have adapted to so well. Some new bullets are coming available now in .277 from Berger and Nosler. I hope Sierra follows suit with their Game Changer.

I have an old Rem. 700 (inherited from my Grandfather) chambered in .270 which I'd like to re-build and re-barrel. I'll look into Lilja on Feenix' recommendation. I've used X-Caliber and Brux custom barrels on projects so far and have been really pleased with them.

I was considering a light contour 20" or 22" as I'd like to build a backpacking rifle with a lightweight folding chassis stock. I carried a fat Muley Buck out of a steep canyon this year (two heavy trips!) and it's very nice to fold and stow your rifle inside your pack for such an endeavor.

I've been wondering if I should go with 1:8 or 1:8.5. I spoke with Sierra a few weeks ago and Phil on the tech support line assured me their old standby 150 BTSP Game King will hold up fine while inside the tube with a 1:8 twist . . . but he wondered if it might open up more quickly on impact with meat if spinning faster than 1:10. He didn't have any evidence to suggest it, but thought it could happen. The 150 Sierra isn't a "long range" bullet but I've sure had great luck with it. I wonder if a faster spin rate affects other, higher-BC bullets on impact too?

Has anyone had any experiences with bullets being more fragile than usual on game when shot through a tight twist barrel?

If Feenix, or anyone else, finds time to reply, I'd sure like to know what bullets and handloads you've been using in your 1:8 twist .270 Winchester barrels.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

SF -
Brad Norman
Nevada

 

[duckklr]

Bartlein; easy to communicate with, best product and service, and they get it right the first time.
duckklr

 

[ndking1126]

I purchased a Shilen Savage pre-fit hat was manufactured in July 2019 and its fantastic. No complaints whatsoever. That's my only recent barrel purchase.

I also like that they still offer blued barrels. They look as good as they shoot in my experience.

 

[Jud96]

I wanted to comment on Preferred barrels. They do not lap their barrels and when I emailed them when they first started up they were adamant about their barrels not needing to be lapped. Again this isn't about bashing brands, but in today's world I think lapping is a must for a quality barrel. If I was looking for a prefit it would be either a criterion or one of the options from straight jacket.

 

[jshepherd61]

I have been thinking about this for awhile and I want to make a thread discussing barrels and their quality as of now. Barrels like all things go up and down and change over the years. I know of a few barrel manufactures who have stepped their game up in the last couple years and seem to be producing better results. I currently am running Bartlein barrels and have no complaints about them. I however am very curious and I always like to experiment and learn more.

Having said that, if any of you could just give me a brief review or opinion on recent barrels you have used/installed/inspected I would really appreciate it. This is not a bashing thread, but I want it to be sort of a guide and understanding of where barrels stand as of 2020. I'll start off and say from my experiences , I see mainly Bartlein, Brux, Krieger, and Proof barrels. Those all seem to do well, but how about all the other guys?

I've bought 11 Barrels in the past year and a half. My go-To is Bartlien I have never had an issue with them or the quality of their work, excellent, long lasting sub MOA barrels. I have recently purchase two PROOF barrels for a couple of light weight hunting builds 300 PRC on a Masterpiece Arms chassis with Kahles 525i scope long range hunting 27" custom sendero barrel. Not done yet but will update!

 

[Jud96]

Jud, I envy you working for John Pierce. Jim Nordhof was extremely helpful in my FT-R rifle 2 years ago. I sent in a Bartlein Palma barrel, and we used a McMillan stock which has been a fabulous weapon. working on getting my sight back from retina detachments last year so I can hopefully start competitions. I have three Bartlein builds, two Kreiger builds, and two Rock River; all shoot extremely well. Best to you.

Thank you. Working at Pierce is a dream job of mine and I love what I do. I make parts for the custom actions we make. I however get to see all the rifles, barrels, scopes, actions, etc that come through the shop so it's really great for me.

 

[FEENIX]

Sir Feenix wrote he's using a 1:8 .27 caliber barrel, which piqued my curiosity.

I'm a big .270 Winchester fan. Unfortunately, because factory barrels have universally been twisted 1:10, this grand old cartridge has not been able to take advantage of the new long-for-caliber, higher-BC projectiles which other calibers have adapted to so well. Some new bullets are coming available now in .277 from Berger and Nosler. I hope Sierra follows suit with their Game Changer.

I have an old Rem. 700 (inherited from my Grandfather) chambered in .270 which I'd like to re-build and re-barrel. I'll look into Lilja on Feenix' recommendation. I've used X-Caliber and Brux custom barrels on projects so far and have been really pleased with them.

I was considering a light contour 20" or 22" as I'd like to build a backpacking rifle with a lightweight folding chassis stock. I carried a fat Muley Buck out of a steep canyon this year (two heavy trips!) and it's very nice to fold and stow your rifle inside your pack for such an endeavor.

I've been wondering if I should go with 1:8 or 1:8.5. I spoke with Sierra a few weeks ago and Phil on the tech support line assured me their old standby 150 BTSP Game King will hold up fine while inside the tube with a 1:8 twist . . . but he wondered if it might open up more quickly on impact with meat if spinning faster than 1:10. He didn't have any evidence to suggest it, but thought it could happen. The 150 Sierra isn't a "long range" bullet but I've sure had great luck with it. I wonder if a faster spin rate affects other, higher-BC bullets on impact too?

Has anyone had any experiences with bullets being more fragile than usual on game when shot through a tight twist barrel?

If Feenix, or anyone else, finds time to reply, I'd sure like to know what bullets and handloads you've been using in your 1:8 twist .270 Winchester barrels.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

SF -
Brad Norman
Nevada

Brad,

My .270 AI was built primarily to propel the 165/175 Matrix VLD. Unfortunately, I have only loaded the 175. My current accuracy load (.75 MOA @ 966 yards if I do my part) is 58 H4831SC (as always, work up to it slowly and watch for pressure signs) at 2993 FPS. I reach near 3100 FPS, but it showed a sign of pressure, and the group opened up. Others are claiming an additional 100 FPS with RL-26.

I think Phil is correct; the 150 should hold up with the 1:8". I have some 150 LRABs but have not tried them yet.

Taken at 525 with 175 Matrix.

Heart shot at 200 yards, almost field dressed.