6mm Rem. A.I. on a S&W 1500 aka Howa 1500 action?

[CanusLatransSnpr]

Looking to put together a decently long range varmint rig from this action that I have. Nothing real fancy. Trigger on this action is great, some where around 8 oz. of pull. Was wondering which barrel, twist, grooves etc. to go with?

 

[tiny68]

Dave Tooley built my 6mm Rem AI a few years back. Couldn't be happier with its performance. We did a 1:9 twist Hart barrel on mine. I called Sierra and they said the 107 SMK absolutely required a 1:8 twist and a 1:9 wouldn't stabilize them. Dave told me otherwise. We went with the 1:9 and it preforms great with 95 VLD Bergers (favorite), 107 SMKs, and 105 AMax (cheapest). You just don't need a 1:8 twist unless your goal is to push the really heavy 6 bullets (115s).

That's my 2 cents, tim

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

Thanks Tim! I appreciate the insight! By the way, how long is your Hart barrel?

 

[tiny68]

Thanks Tim! I appreciate the insight! By the way, how long is your Hart barrel?

28". HV tapper. And it is a heavy dog to log around and set up calling coyotes. However, I am a big boy and it is worth the weight in my opinion.

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

Thanks Tim! Gives me some things to think about.

 

[1000yardstare]

My 6AI`s barrel is a 30 inch HV 8 twist - bored, rifled and installed on a 722 action by MacLennon. Got the 8 twist for 115s. Very accurate with 105s and 107s. They clock at 3250 with RX22. Took second in the long range F Class Agg (900, 1000) at the 2009 Ontario Fullbore Champs using 107 MKings. A 6.5/284 beat me because he read the wind better.

MacLennon`s blanks are stress relieved. I am reading on various sources that not all barrelsmiths used stress relieved blanks. Check this out when you are pricing barrels. The extra cost is worth it. Some `smiths use non-relieved blanks and define "premium" barrels as not having to be straightened after boring and rifling. If there is a stress in the barrel it is going to bend on its own as it heats up and the extra cost for "premium" is a waste.

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

Thanks 1000! Any extra info is appreciated!