Barrel for a hunting rifle

[Ledd Slinger]

I have had smaller #3 contour barrels shoot 1/2 MOA, but like CTK stated, it took a lot of load development to get there and there are generally only one or two recipes that will yield that level of accuracy. Since I started using heavier barrels, load development is much easier. I am in the early stages of development with the RL26 powder in my 6.5 Rem Mag and have already achieved zero vertical and sub 1/4 MOA groups at 100 yards. I believe with some seating adjustments, I may even be able to tune the groups into .1's. I will have to see...

My 6.5 Rem Mag wears a #6 contour barrel at 26" long. There are about 4 different powders with various charge weights Ive tried that it will shoot 1/2 MOA or less groups with. Probably 1/2 a dozen load recipes in total yielding sub 1/2 MOA accuracy. Nothing I have ever tried in load development has shot 'unacceptable' groups at 100 yards for a hunting level of accuracy. I believe the worst accuracy I have ever seen from the rifle from all the different powders and charge weights tested is about 1" at 100 yards. My other heavy barreled hunting rifles have similar traits of forgiveness. I like what I am seeing with RL26 the best because the powder gives good speeds, no vertical, has good temp stability, is obviously accurate, and is the only powder I have tried in the rifle that does not throw a clean/cold bore flier. Not saying that RL26 is the best powder for every application in hunting, but my particular rifle seems to favor it very well. Of course the real results will be determined when I get it on paper at longer ranges of 300, 600, and 1000 yards.

 

[CTK]

I have had smaller #3 contour barrels shoot 1/2 MOA, but like CTK stated, it took a lot of load development to get there and there are generally only one or two recipes that will yield that level of accuracy. Since I started using heavier barrels, load development is much easier. I am in the early stages of development with the RL26 powder in my 6.5 Rem Mag and have already achieved zero vertical and sub 1/4 MOA groups at 100 yards. I believe with some seating adjustments, I may even be able to tune the groups into .1's. I will have to see...

My 6.5 Rem Mag wears a #6 contour barrel at 26" long. There are about 4 different powders with various charge weights Ive tried that it will shoot 1/2 MOA or less groups with. Probably 1/2 a dozen load recipes in total yielding sub 1/2 MOA accuracy. Nothing I have ever tried in load development has shot 'unacceptable' groups at 100 yards for a hunting level of accuracy. I believe the worst accuracy I have ever seen from the rifle from all the different powders and charge weights tested is about 1" at 100 yards. My other heavy barreled hunting rifles have similar traits of forgiveness. I like what I am seeing with RL26 the best because the powder gives good speeds, no vertical, has good temp stability, is obviously accurate, and is the only powder I have tried in the rifle that does not throw a clean/cold bore flier. Not saying that RL26 is the best powder for every application in hunting, but my particular rifle seems to favor it very well. Of course the real results will be determined when I get it on paper at longer ranges of 300, 600, and 1000 yards.

I spent too much time with VLD bullets in my load development for my 280ai and my 6.5L. They are a pain to dial in. I tested the Berger 135 Classic Hunter's the other day in the 6.5L. It has a 2b contour barrel. In terrible conditions and using one random seating depth, was able to find a node that kept them in <.25". Probably shot 20 rounds. Shot one group with the 280ai, rl26, and the 168 Classic Hunter around .5". Using temporary range at club that faced directly into bright afternoon sun. 90 degrees. I finally bailed out without shooting much. Looking forward to getting my North facing ranges back.

 

[savagedasher]

If your going to put a barrel on get a new one . Most after market barrels is better than the factory . Larry

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Heres a group shot ladder testing at 600 yards with an 8.5lb (with scope) 28 Nosler, Rock creek, Remington sporter contour. The same contour Remington puts on a factory rifle. This group measured about 2 3/8". Dont let anyone tell you a sporter wont shoot as well as a heavy barrel. I expect every rifle to shoot 1" at 300. I just did a fluted #2 6.5 creed and @tom shot 5.5" at 1k with it. It has more to do with your abilitie as a tuner and shooter than anything.




I just shot this one Friday at 1000 yds with a 30 Nosler and a #5 contour rock creek

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Heres a group shot ladder testing at 600 yards with an 8.5lb (with scope) 28 Nosler, Rock creek, Remington sporter contour. The same contour Remington puts on a factory rifle. This group measured about 2 3/8". Dont let anyone tell you a sporter wont shoot as well as a heavy barrel. I expect every rifle to shoot 1" at 300. I just did a fluted #2 6.5 creed and @tom shot 5.5" at 1k with it. It has more to do with your abilitie as a tuner and shooter than anything.


View attachment 1018037

I just shot this one Friday at 1000 yds with a 30 Nosler and a #5 contour rock creek

View attachment 1018038

Nobody said lighter barrels wont shoot. It was only stated that they are not as forgiving. Say what you will, you cant deny that a heavier barrel of equal quality is generally more forgiving and easier to tune.

I've handloaded for so many light pencil weight barrels and I just dont care for them personally anymore. I would rather put a #6 or a sendero contour barrel on a hunting rifle, then save weight by using a carbon fiber stock and an optic/rings suitable for long range precision with reasonable weight. Rifles dont have to be ridiculously heavy nowadays to wear a heavier contour barrel.

 

[ragsflh]

alot of factory barrels i have shoot just as good as some of my high dollar barrels.not putting brands up to bash

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Nobody said lighter barrels wont shoot. It was only stated that they are not as forgiving. Say what you will, you cant deny that a heavier barrel of equal quality is generally more forgiving and easier to tune.

I've handloaded for so many light pencil weight barrels and I just dont care for them personally anymore. I would rather put a #6 or a sendero contour barrel on a hunting rifle, then save weight by using a carbon fiber stock and an optic/rings suitable for long range precision with reasonable weight. Rifles dont have to be ridiculously heavy nowadays to wear a heavier contour barrel.

I just have not had that experience. Typically a few trips to the range and its tuned no matter the contour. Now the lighter contours will get uglier when they are out of the node, but to me its the same process to find the node no matter what barrel. I am talking quality barrels, I will not own a factory barrel anymore. I dont have the patience for them.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

What bullet are you using and what speed are you getting with the 6.5 cm? Thinking about building one for my son.

I'm struggling my son's 6.5x55 right now. I finally got around to load development for it. The rifle wears a 22" #2 contour barrel, 1 in 8" twist. Built it as light as possible for him since he was only 10 years old when i built it. It has shot very accurately with factory Lapua ammo producing 1/2" 3 shot groups at 200 yards so I know it's capable. But I can't seem to get it better than 5/8" to 3/4" groups at 100 yards with handloading. Tried 2 different bullets and run through 3 powders now. I'll think I am closing in, I adjust seating a bit, first two bullets will go in the same hole, then the 3rd one flies off into the sunset. Nothing consistent for speeds between each shot either. Bout threw the rifle in the woods a couple times I was so pissed off. Have spent 3 extensive shooting sessions for testing now and nothing acceptable to me for accuracy.

I have another 6.5mm 1 in 8" #4 contour barrel on the way. Gonna change it out if this thing doesn't start to shape up real quick. May change chambering as well. Its a long action. Was thinking maybe 6.5 Creed or 260 AI.

 

[CTK]

What bullet are you using and what speed are you getting with the 6.5 cm? Thinking about building one for my son.

I'm struggling my son's 6.5x55 right now. I finally got around to load development for it. The rifle wears a 22" #2 contour barrel, 1 in 8" twist. Built it as light as possible for him since he was only 10 years old when i built it. It has shot very accurately with factory Lapua ammo producing 1/2" 3 shot groups at 200 yards so I know it's capable. But I can't seem to get it better than 5/8" to 3/4" groups at 100 yards with handloading. Tried 2 different bullets and run through 3 powders now. I'll think I am closing in, I adjust seating a bit, first two bullets will go in the same hole, then the 3rd one flies off into the sunset. Nothing consistent for speeds between each shot either. Bout threw the rifle in the woods a couple times I was so pissed off. Have spent 3 extensive shooting sessions for testing now and nothing acceptable to me for accuracy.

I have another 6.5mm 1 in 8" #4 contour barrel on the way. Gonna change it out if this thing doesn't start to shape up real quick. May change chambering as well. Its a long action. Was thinking maybe 6.5 Creed or 260 AI.

Try the 135 Hunting VLD.

 

[john 800]

So, after reading the comments i am leaning towards a shilen blank. Midway and brownells has turned blanks cheaper than i can get an unturned blank directly from shilen, seems odd but i guess you get a deal in quantity, and i only need one lol

I am not postitive i am goint to rebarrel it yet, its useable as is with certain loads. Ot just does mot like alot of the bullets and weights i like. Its stainless in a b&c stock so its fairly light and its nice to have something for those days that rainy and snowy, so i really dont want to get rid of it, bit i am not happy with it the way it is. I have yet to get any decent groups with any 130 gr bullet. It is very very deep throated, i know i could have it set back buuuuut if that didnt help i just put $100-150 into a stainless tomato stake.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Try the 135 Hunting VLD.

I've been testing the 130 gr and 140gr Berger hunting VLDs in the 6.5x55 to no avail. Starting to think there's something wrong with the barrel. I used a standard SAAMI spec reamer so i know it has a very long throat. If i rebarrel for the 6.5x55 again, i will probably purchase my own custom reamer designed for the 130gr Berger VLD.

The factory Lapua ammo I was using had 108gr Scenars which is a boat tail as well, but that bullet does not perform well on game. I may need to try a flat base bullet. Flat base bullets do not have great BCs, but ive experienced that they are usually a little easier to tune in finnicky rifles.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Brandon,

That 42.3 of rl 16, lapua sr cases, 147 eld is 2820. The upper node was 2930, but the powder is extremely compressed and I had bolt lift there in the full titanium. Guys are pushing mid 2900s with some other modern powders, but 16 is extremely stable to below zero temps, even when lit by sr primers. Never had a deer ask me how many MOA I had in it to kill him

Tom

Very true, but since my son will also be using the same rifle for elk, i want to keep the energy levels as high as possible so long as accuracy remains. That's great speed from a non-Magnum 6.5mm cartridge. I will definitely keep it in mind.

 

[CTK]

I've been testing the 130 gr and 140gr Berger hunting VLDs in the 6.5x55 to no avail. Starting to think there's something wrong with the barrel. I used a standard SAAMI spec reamer so i know it has a very long throat. If i rebarrel for the 6.5x55 again, i will probably purchase my own custom reamer designed for the 130gr Berger VLD.

The factory Lapua ammo I was using had 108gr Scenars which is a boat tail as well, but that bullet does not perform well on game. I may need to try a flat base bullet. Flat base bullets do not have great BCs, but ive experienced that they are usually a little easier to tune in finnicky rifles.

Is there not a standardized reamer for the 6.5x55 that is for modern rifles? Know the old ones were throated for the long, round nosed bullets.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I'm sure there is. I'll be sure to check the reamer specs this next time. I was a fool not to in the first place.

I have a couple Wilson barrels im going to try as well. I have installed one on my new 6mm Rem (1 in8" tw) and the other is coming for the 6.5x55. Havent shot the 6mm Rem yet. It's accuracy will determine if I put this other one on the 6.5x55. If i dont like it on the 6mm, ill order a better barrel for the 6.5.

Looking at the Wilson barrel with my borescope, the finish is very nice for the price. Not quite as nice as a Krieger or Brux, but those are cut rifled. Wilson is button pulled. You can still see a few very small and faint button tooling marks in the corners of the grooves, but they are nothing that won't clean up with a proper break in. The marks are very small areas and are easliy missed with the scope if you are not paying close attention. Lapping lines run perfectly with the spiral of the rifling. For $165 total with contour and shipping, it appears to be a very good quality barrel at a very affordable price point. So affordable I figured I better at least buy a couple to try. Who knows, may end up being diamonds in the rough...

I have another Ruger M77 tang 6mm Rem built in 1968 that wears an original factory installed Wilson barrel. It is a 1/4 MOA rifle, so I have hopes for these new Wilson barrels but I cannot comment on their accuracy until I get the chance to test them.

 

[Hal]

Tom is that a model 7 action ?
Can you tell me a little more about the rifle and scope.

Thanks
Hal

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Pierce titanium, McMillan edge, rock creek fluted sporter at 24". Leopold 4-12 Mark AR, cheap I know, but it performed the tall target test perfectly. Alex chambered it with his no turn creedmore reamer. I have only shot new out of the box lapua brass as of yet, and only 147 eld so far.

Tom

If the optic is clear, holds zero, and tracks true, price tag doesn't matter. Deer won't ask you how much you paid for your scope either

 

[Barlow]

I did not read all the posts, but I just had a Rock Creek 5R, chambered in 257AI on my Ruger 77 ts. It's my third barrel from them and I'm working up loads with RL17 now. I have two other custom barrels on other rifles by different makers, and they perform well. My opinion is get a new barrel from a reputable maker. I'm happy with all of mine. Barlow

 

[RustyMetal]

I just got an E.R. Shaw 24" or 26" Heavy Varmint profile SS barrel in 5.56. I haven't installed it yet, but I got a great price for it at $140 IIRC. I think it may have been a custom barrel someone didn't pay off, or an overstock clearance sale or something. I'm going to put a longer range scope on my AR and try to drive it out to 800 yds. Certainly 600.

 

[CTK]

I'm sure there is. I'll be sure to check the reamer specs this next time. I was a fool not to in the first place.

I have a couple Wilson barrels im going to try as well. I have installed one on my new 6mm Rem (1 in8" tw) and the other is coming for the 6.5x55. Havent shot the 6mm Rem yet. It's accuracy will determine if I put this other one on the 6.5x55. If i dont like it on the 6mm, ill order a better barrel for the 6.5.

Looking at the Wilson barrel with my borescope, the finish is very nice for the price. Not quite as nice as a Krieger or Brux, but those are cut rifled. Wilson is button pulled. You can still see a few very small and faint button tooling marks in the corners of the grooves, but they are nothing that won't clean up with a proper break in. The marks are very small areas and are easliy missed with the scope if you are not paying close attention. Lapping lines run perfectly with the spiral of the rifling. For $165 total with contour and shipping, it appears to be a very good quality barrel at a very affordable price point. So affordable I figured I better at least buy a couple to try. Who knows, may end up being diamonds in the rough...

I have another Ruger M77 tang 6mm Rem built in 1968 that wears an original factory installed Wilson barrel. It is a 1/4 MOA rifle, so I have hopes for these new Wilson barrels but I cannot comment on their accuracy until I get the chance to test them.

Cooper rifles seem to do well with Wilson barrels. I honestly don't know why I have never bought one. I have Anschutz and Oregon Kimber 22's. Would like a Cooper 22lr. Although they have gone up in price, their centerfire rifles still interest me as well.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Cooper rifles seem to do well with Wilson barrels. I honestly don't know why I have never bought one. I have Anschutz and Oregon Kimber 22's. Would like a Cooper 22lr. Although they have gone up in price, their centerfire rifles still interest me as well.

Yeah Cooper using Wilson barrels helped to turn my attention towards them. Cooper rifles have always been praised for their accuracy and like I said before, my old 6mm Rem M77 with a factory varmint contour 24" Wilson barrel is still a 1/4 MOA rifle to this day...and that barrel is nearly 50 years old.

I know Wilson Arms has been under new ownership for quite a while and things have definitely changed since 1968, but if the new Wilson barrels shoot anything like the one on my old M77, I know I will be very pleased. Especially considering the price point.