Trying to decide between Proof or Hells Canyon carbon barrel for a customer build. Each claim to the be the best option on that market. Is either one really that much better or is it a preference of which steel blank they start with and look of the finished product?
Proof vs hells canyon carbon barrel
- Thread starter werth338
- Start date
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Wolf76
Well-Known Member
Both have great reputations and similar price points.
I have a hells canyon, but would have used a proof if it had the specs I wanted.
Don't over think it, no wrong answer.
I have a hells canyon, but would have used a proof if it had the specs I wanted.
Don't over think it, no wrong answer.
Quicksilver338
Well-Known Member
You can't go wrong either way. Proof has a following for a reason. Mike has a better design for carbon layup and the benchmark blanks is a positive as well. Both will shoot lights out, buy either with confidence. For some it comes down to looks and that is a deciding factor!
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257 Blackjack
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the info. I will be talking with BM and HC about some fast twist CF blanks for some mountain rifle builds.
The HCA blanks are generally a little heavier but Mike generally leaves more steel at the shank. The way his blanks are made you can cut them to any length so you could cut some of the shank off and still get to your finish length which would put them about the same weight.
Quicksilver338
Well-Known Member
To be honest you're going to be ounces between manufacturers. Sometimes lighter isn't better. Depends on the final setup and goal but like many have said before if you're worried about a few ounces on a gun hit then gym more before hunting season. This is not a blanket statement but a general statement yes because most times you are not sheep hunting and need to shed 2oz off of every item to add up to a few pounds saved. If my setup has to be 10lbs instead of 8.5lbs to be accurate then so be it. Why spend all the carbon dollars and lose some accuracy peace of mind in the process?
I have a 30cal 27" blank from mike and it is 3.36lbs. Expect to lose a bit after chambering so his 3lbs 3oz advertised weight is correct for the heavy hunter contour or sendero.
I have a 30cal 27" blank from mike and it is 3.36lbs. Expect to lose a bit after chambering so his 3lbs 3oz advertised weight is correct for the heavy hunter contour or sendero.
Gamesniper19
Well-Known Member
For a pure hunting rifle, either will work great. Disclaimer, I have only run PROOF to date and have 11 of them on rifles that are all shooters. What I have read about the Hells Canyon rifle has been positive although I am not aware of any PRS shooters using their carbon.
I am 100% familiar with the PROOF testing which is why I run them and would like to see some verification data from hells canyon on why the 40% resin ration is the "perfect" mix. Anyone have any?
Benchmark blanks are excellent and as stated, for a hunting rifle, either is a great choice especially for weight savings and overall shootability
I am 100% familiar with the PROOF testing which is why I run them and would like to see some verification data from hells canyon on why the 40% resin ration is the "perfect" mix. Anyone have any?
Benchmark blanks are excellent and as stated, for a hunting rifle, either is a great choice especially for weight savings and overall shootability
Proof has set shank lengths, diameters, lengths, and twist. If you want a one off you have to order 10, I understand not going to all trouble to change tooling for one barrel, and what they have covers almost anyone's needs. But does anyone know if HCA will make CF barrels to custom specs? One example would be to have a .30 cal blank with a bigger shank than 1.2 for the 300 Norma magnum.
KRL1116
Well-Known Member
No experience with either however i have had a few BM barrels and that alone would make me lean towards the PROOF!
Gamesniper19
Well-Known Member
Inch 250 would be preferable for overbore magnums although inch 200 will work fine. I have the latter in a 7mm/338 Norma improved and it runs just fine in a PROOF.
You can get a custom PROOF for length and twist rates, (changing the twist rate is a quick and easy change) but barrel contours are set. You will also have to wait waaaay to long to get it which is why the "discourage it"
You are right, the PROOF standard builds will meet 80-90% of all shooters and that is where they now target their business
i have both as well. IN my opinion the hca barrels are superior. Benchmark blanks, slightly more meat on the shank, less resin, and the cross wrap design is just beautiful. The only reason I go proof is when I need a light sendero profile. Sendero and above hca is really hard to beat.
