Help me choose a barrel

[CForest]

Building a fast twist 25-06. Going to be mostly for hunting, however doubtful it'll be packed long distances in the elk woods. Most of my deer, antelope, coyote hunting is in the flatter country not real far from a pickup. So being super light is not necessary, but I also don't want a boat anchor. Fair chance it will be used a fair bit by my kids too. I expect it to nearly always be suppressed, which is a TBAC ultra 7 as of now.
Here's what I have for the build:
Kelbly atlas tactical long action
AG alpine hunter carbon stock (31oz) (cutout for proof sendero contour)
Most likely a NX8 on top

The barrel is where I am at a conundrum mainly because of the crazy wait times in barrels these days, didn't realize I should have started with that first.....

I ordered a Proof Carbon 22" 7.5T on a black Friday deal. Can't seem to get a real solid answer from proof unfortunately, but sounds as though it is still 5-8 months out. I also got to reading around after I ordered and it seems as though Proof is getting a lot of mixed reviews anymore. So between the long wait and mixed reviews I am having second thoughts.

After searching around I have found 2 options for steel barrels in stock.

CRB seems to be the new guy on the block but with high praises especially in the competition world. They have their hunter contour in stock in 7.5T. It appears to be in-between a 3b and a 4 bartlein contour. Should have an adequate shoulder for a suppressor. Only downside is a bit of a new/unknown barrel maker.

Also found a bartlein #13 which is rem sendero contour in 7T. I have zero doubt the bartlein will be great, but seems like this is starting to get quite heavy. Not sure how much fluting would actually save me, or how much heavier it truly would be at just 22"?? The balance of the rifle is my other concern.

What would you guys pick??
1> wait for the Proof
2> take the chance on the CRB
3> go with the proven bartlein at the cost of some weight

Since my stock is cutout for the proof sendero contour I think these others should fit fine, and the 7-7.5 twist should be fine either way also. Really just down to the quality of barrel and the weight penalty...

Thanks guys

 

[Rick Richard]

I have that Bartlein contour in 6.5 X47 at 22 inches nonfluted…and it is a bit heavy…but sooooo accurate. It is not a rifle I want to be packing around, but works great for range and deer stand use.

If you can wait, I would go the Proof route in my opinion. Good luck.

 

[K.E.C. Darkside]

Might call ACE Barrels.
Haven't seen any bad reviews.

 

[CForest]

Might call ACE Barrels.
Haven't seen any bad reviews.

Have they started 25 Cal barrels yet?? I knew they had it in the works but still not on the website for order. I'll have to call and see

 

[LuvDog]

Take the chance with CRB. Everything I've seen says they are top shelf and right there with Bartlein and Krieger.

In fact, I'm going with a couple of CRB barrels with my next builds

 

[CForest]

I should add that for the price I got the proof for a fluted steel would end up just as much if not a hair more. So not much "saving" that way. I'm fine with either cosmetically, I just want the gun to shoot straight and not require a llama to pack ha. Not that fluting would be a for sure deal on either steel, but I am open to the idea

 

[Jamie]

I have had four Proof barrels and this is how they did. First one is a 6 ARC loaded on an XL750 , shot in an AR platform. Two carbon barrels and two steel barrels. I will be using more.

 

[Kmccord]

If the wait time is the main problem, you should contact Preferred Barrel Blank, especially if you are wanting a Pre-Fit. They offer Carbon Fiber Barrels as well, however, my experience with them is with there SS fluted barrels in 750 Taperless. The wait time for a barrel is 10-12 weeks and that has always been the case. I purchase a Kelbly Atlas Lite with a barrel on 12/16/24 and received it yesterday 1/13/25. They fast track you to the front of the line if you buy an action along with a barrel. However, since you have the action, it will take 10-12 weeks, you will receive an email when the barrel is being pulled and in line for production, another email to tell you it is going through the stages of what you are wanting and then the final email of when it will ship and the tracking number. You will not need to contact them periodically on status.

 

[arrow179]

I agree to checkout preferred barrel blanks!

 

[slick Nick]

I have several barrels by x caliber these guys have been great and I will order from them again.

Retail Sales/Customer Support
3465 US Hwy 2 West
Kalispell, MT 59901
[HIDDEN]

sales [at] x-caliber [dot] net

 

[med358-boise]

Douglas Premium XXAG. Very high quality barrels, fantastic service, and turnaound. I have had 4 of them over the years and all shot sub .6 with minimal load development.

 

[JAYgs8163]

Why don't you just order this and be done with it. In stock also in 22 or 24".

Benchmark Carbon Barrels

[email protected]

www.piercisionrifles.com

 

[T3ninja]

I have a CRB barrel. I also have proof, bartlein, Brux, krieger and I've had the cheaper ones too. The CRB is no joke and I think should be considered top tier with the others. I met the owners and they're good dudes. They are also some serious top tier shooters.

 

[azarcher10x]

I just did a Bartlein CF barrel for my 300 RUM. I had it done in their 400 MOD stainless, since it's supposed to get 1 1/2 times the barrel life. I only have 4 rounds down the tube so far, so I'm sure it will out last me! Those rounds were 3 sighters, and 1- 420 yard elk shot. For not even being broke in yet, it's very accurate!