After market barrel

[KMW 1954]

For the past two winters I have been shooting in an informal modified Bench Rest League. This is open to a run-what-ya-brung with the only real rule is that it must be shot from a front bipod and a rear bag. Range of competition is 100/200/300yds with varying targets.

The first year I shot with a pretty much stock Savage Model 10 223 on a Boyd's stock. I finished the season in a better position that I thought I would. Then last winter I shot a Savage Model 11 with a 26" Model 12 Varmint barrel again in 223. For the season it shot higher scores than the model 10 from the year before but I really didn't move up in the standings. Everyone in our group improved.

So I have been thinking of a new barrel again with a move in one of three directions. First is staying with the 223 with a faster twist and maybe a Wylde chamber or moving to a 6mm ARC. Reason for the ARC is I already have all the reloading tools and Bolt Head for the Savage bolt.

So for the 223 barrel I have been looking at a Shilen with a 1:7.5 twist 4 groove or the EABCO 223 Wylde in a 1:7 twist.
For the ARC a Shilen 1:7.5 4 groove.

I know a couple of guys at our range that are shooting a Shilen barrel and they like them a lot. I know nothing of the EABCO barrels. One big question would either of these barrels shoot better than the Savage model 12 barrel. The model 12 barrel is a 1:9 twist and above 70gr bullets it really falls off. Would like to shoot 75 to 80gr bullets. So I would like to hear others thoughts of the Shilen and EABCO barrels.

 

[JB10]

I have a model 12 that shoots the 73 eldm lights out. 1:9 twist. Buddy of mine has same rifle in a mdt chassis shooting same load and has been competing in local prs matches. Doing pretty good at almost all ranges except 1k yards.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

In my experience, Savage barrels can be hit and miss. I do have a Model 10 223, 8 twist that shoots "OK ish" for varmints, but nowhere near my Tikka with a Truflite 1-8, which I do shoot in FTR ( on a calm day).

How's your stock? Bedded? Chassis?

A reasonable, cost effective answer may be a pre-fit with a 1-8 or 1-7.5 twist 24 inches is more than adequate for 300 yd shooting. You will need a spanner for the barrel nut and ideally a set of headspace gauges - of get a gunsmith to fit it.

Your discipline sounds like a good day out to me.

 

[Walt Krafft]

You will be happy with the Shilen barrel.

 

[ggshoots]

Why don't you talk to Urbanrifleman and get one of his barrels? Great reviews from forum members, prefit barrel in 224 or 6mm and very accurate with Wilson barrels which are very good.. Cant remember if he is doing 6ARC. Prices are the best around and fast turn around. I would go that route way before Eabco. Shilin makes a great barrel. Good Luck.

PREFIT NUT BARREL (REM 700, SAVAGE SM/LG, TIKKA T3, KELBY, BAT, CURTIS AXIOM, BERGARA, RUGER AMERICAN, WIN M70))

Precision Rifle Shooting Accessories

theurbanriflemanstore.com

I talked with him on the phone the other day and he is a great guy. I dont see 6ARC on the site but ask. 223 Wylde is for sure. He seems to keep plenty of 224 and 6mm barrels in stock.

 

[rjtfroggy]

I've used more than a few pre-fits of different makes, in different calibers, and the best one was a 6x45 in a 8twist X-Caliber barrel using 90gr. Sierra's.

 

[AlNyhus]

KMW1954, of your stated choices...the Shilen is like hitting the Easy Button. Sounds like a fun format. -Al

 

[Alguapo]

Built several Savages using the prefit Shilen from Northland . Lots of choices from them. I don't think you would be disappointed. Good luck on your decision.

 

[valkson99]

KMW1954, of your stated choices...the Shilen is like hitting the Easy Button. Sounds like a fun format. -Al

KMW 1954 ,

I have had Criterion, Urban Rifleman, Bartlien ( Bughole), Rock Creek (PVA) and Krieger prefits over the last 6 or 7 years. The "most" accurate have been the Bartlein and Krieger but far and away the best value have been the Wilsons from Urban Rifleman.

All of my Savages shot sub half inch with handloads developed for them. The Bartlein and Krieger shoot in the high 1's, the Wilson from Urban Rifleman in the low 2's. Good luck in your search, it is a slippery slope.

 

[SKWERLZ]

All the Shilens I’ve had shot pretty good.

 

[KMW 1954]

Thanks everyone for the responses. The factory Savage barrel still shoots very well and can still hold .5 MOA groups at 100yds and just over 1" at 200yds. Now going to see if that changes as I just swapped scopes from a more PRS scope to a more SFP Target scope.

This is what I have been shooting and yes it has been glass bedded. That Burris scope has been long since and these are a sample replaced. These are a sample of the targets we are shoot. The first is at 100yds and the second is at 200yds, couldn't find a 300yd example. A few of the members are shooting Bartlien barrels but right now their lead time is forever long.