Hey guys, I’ve just ordered a new barrel to get started on my 6x47 Lapua project, Shilen select match savage prefit 1-10” twist. I’m putting it on a savage target action with a 600 yd varmint rifle in mind that I can shoot a good group with. Which leads me to my question... I originally planned on a criterion barrel because of all the good things I’d heard. Turns out they’re on a 20+ week wait (according to Northland who I trust). However, they did mention they could get a Shilen select match heavy Palma in 10 weeks. My question is did I make a mistake in getting a Shilen? I always thought they were good barrels but I’ve read some negative things in recent years. How are everyone’s groups with the select match?
Shilen Select Match
- Thread starter Jwhip
- Start date
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- 6x47 lapua shilen
I have had 3 Shilen prefits and 4 Criterion prefits on both Savage and Remington actions. All have been accurate but two of the barrels have been exceptionally accurate. One is a Criterion in 6.5 Creedmoor that was a 30 inch bull on a Savage target action. To this day the best 1000 yard f class and steel shooting barrel I have owned. The other is a Shilen select match 6 dasher 28 inch bull barrel on the same Savage target action. This barrel has the record for smallest group I have ever shot at both 200 and 600 yards. It is the most consistently accurate barrel/cartridge combination I have had experience with in the prefit lineup. Based on my experience neither brand would be a mistake.
When I went to rebarrel my custom Bighorn, I couldn't get the 260 chamber I wanted in an off-the-shelf Criterion at Northland. They only carry match chambers with a long leade for the long heavy bullets. I like being able to shoot light and medium bullets. James does carry SAAMI standard chambers in his Shilen line. I chose the Select Match and I haven't been sorry.
I also shoot the Shilen Select Match from Northland on my 300/624 yard 6mmBR benchrest rifle, 1-8" twist ratchet rifling. My mistake was in NOT specifying the leade that I wanted for the longer (VLD) bullets. Now that I am reloading I recognize I should have gotten a leade about 0.045" longer than what I got. Now my C.O.A.L. is 2.395" to the lands and it could have been further out to 2.441" ... which is the book C.O.A.L. for 6mm BR Norma per Berger.
I am always learning.
I am always learning.
centershot
Silver $$ Contributor
Installed a .223 A. I. pre fit on my Savage 12V to make a prairie dog rifle. It has shot a 1.2" five shot group at 300 meters. Four shots were at .8". Very happy.
walker2713
My Boy Hap....
I’ve enjoyed reading this thread....
I’m shooting a Savage 110 Elite in 6 Creedmoor in 300 and 600 yard bench rest competition and have close to 1000 rounds through factory barrel.
It’s still shooting well and has a lot of good rounds left in it over the next several months.
I knew that when the day came that I would need to pull it, I didn’t want to get stuck without options. So a couple of days ago I called Northland and new barrel will be delivered Friday: a Shilen Select Match 6CM with 1-7 twist, bull contour and 28” length.
In the past with other Savages I’ve owned Shilen, Criterion and X-Caliber....and I’m really looking forward to this new tube!
Thanks for your feedback....
George
I’m shooting a Savage 110 Elite in 6 Creedmoor in 300 and 600 yard bench rest competition and have close to 1000 rounds through factory barrel.
It’s still shooting well and has a lot of good rounds left in it over the next several months.
I knew that when the day came that I would need to pull it, I didn’t want to get stuck without options. So a couple of days ago I called Northland and new barrel will be delivered Friday: a Shilen Select Match 6CM with 1-7 twist, bull contour and 28” length.
In the past with other Savages I’ve owned Shilen, Criterion and X-Caliber....and I’m really looking forward to this new tube!
Thanks for your feedback....
George
STOMP442
Gold $$ Contributor
I have built a lot of rifles and I still have a hard time finding a barrel that shoots any better than a good ol Shilen. If the customer doesn't have a particular barrel they would like to use I generally head right to Shilen. I have never been disappointed in the the quality or the accuracy of their barrels. There are a lot of quality barrel makers out there but a Shilen just plain works and they seem to be a bit easier to find most of the time from quite a few different retailers.
okie
Gold $$ Contributor
NO shilen is a great barrel
STOMP442
Gold $$ Contributor
Yes availability for me. Direct from Shilen is always a custom order with a pretty long wait. Midway, Brownells and a few other sites have them on the shelf ready to go just add to cart. I could probably save money by buying direct but most people don't like the 8 -12 week wait before I can get started on their project.
okie
Gold $$ Contributor
got it. i wouldnt wait either
I have w shilen select match barrels, one in 223, shoots 3/8 5 shot groups all day long. The second is a 6mm AI, very accurate as well, shot many groups with it that measured .375" outside measurements. I have no problem taking this gun to 900 yards ( the farthest i have access to). I wouldn't hesitate to purchase barrel from them.
KMart
Gold $$ Contributor
You may want to reconsider your choice of twist. The 10 will do fine with the bullets indicated above but at 600 yds that is screaming for an 8 twist and 105 gr Bergers. The 10 won't stabilize those. And the 8 twist will work just fine with the 70-88 grainers. Keep your options open.
Also Jim at Northland Shooter Supply may have a Shilen in stock and if not, he may be able to get it faster than you can. He buys a lot of Shilen barrels.
You are probably right. 10 twist is pushing it for 600 yards. I guess that really doesn’t matter too much to me. I actually talked to Northland and the only twists they had were 1-7.
Now you’ve gotten in my head. Haha. Thinking about giving Shilen a call. May kick myself later if I limit myself.
I ordered directly from shilen, Jim at northland is a little cheaper, 12 weeks thru shilen northland 4 mo. for savage prefit
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