284 Shehane

[geordiesniper]

I currently have a 284 Shehane and use Berger 180 grain VLDs in a 1 in 8 twist barrel.
Does anyone use a 1 in 9 twist for this bullet weight as I have been offered one and not sure if it will be ok.
I shoot at 1000yds mainly.
Thanks

 

[Erik Cortina]

Most LR shooters use 1:9" twist. You'll be fine.

 

[Steve Blair]

I've shot the 175 XLD (1.535"), 180 VLD (1.525") and the 180 Hybrid (1.529") in 9" twist barrels. All produced good results. As Erik, said, most use 9" twists.

 

[geordiesniper]

Thanks Eric and Steve for the information.
Les

 

[DennisH]

Most LR shooters use 1:9" twist. You'll be fine.

I shoot 180's with the 9 twist and love it. One of my favorite guns.

Dennis

 

[TonyR]

Les.
I've used 1:9 twist with most of my Shehane barrels as Steve and Eric do. If 1:9 is what's available, then go for it. That said, if you end up ordering a barrel, you might consider something a little faster given some of the cold damp mornings you seem to get over there. I think 1:8 would be too much but I've heard of very respectable people going to 1:8.75 for a little margin of error. I would be very careful with anything faster than 1:8.75 if you are shooting any Hunting VLDs with the thin jackets. The thick target jackets should be fine. I blew up a bunch of 180 VLDs with the thin jackets and a 1:8.5 twist once I got up to 2900 fps with my Shehane.

 

[geordiesniper]

Thanks Dennis and Tony. The barrel in 1 in 9 sounds good, so will go for it. The manufacturer of the barrel blank offered is Benchmark which I believe is American. Has anyone on this forum used them?
I know that you can get hummers and ok barrels from any manufacturer, but just after any shooters info on their quality etc.

 

[Terry]

I have had two Benchmark .284 barrels. The first was OK, the second is very good.
I have my 3rd. On order.

 

[DennisH]

I have never had a bullet failure with the Berger 180 Hybrids pushing them @ 2,925 ft per second in my 9 twist 284. No pressure signs on my brass as well.

Dennis

 

[Steve Blair]

I have never had a bullet failure with the Berger 180 Hybrids pushing them @ 2,925 ft per second in my 9 twist 284. No pressure signs on my brass as well.

Dennis

[br]
Tony was referring to the old, thin jacket 180 VLD. Many shooters had problems with them. 180 Hybrids use the newer, thicker jacket and, unless truly abused, do not disintegrate. Some of our UK friends successfully have run Hybrids as high as 3100 fps.