Criterion barrel too good to discard

[260Ravage]

I have a criterion barrel in 6br on an older 112 savage single shot. It has competed in IBS and F class regimens and has done quite well...till lately. The groups are opening up to where competing is really a challenge. I have been considering a new barrel. Problem is this combo still shoots a hair under 1/2 MOA out to 600 yards. (I gathered up 7 random targets, measured each group, and averaged the groups....avarage: minus 1/2 MOA.) I could spend the money and re barrel the gun and still have a half inch shooter. Anybody ever been there? Frustrating!

 

[Jay Christopherson]

Seems pretty straightforward to me... Either you feel you are competitive with that barrel, or you don't. If the latter is true (and from your statement that competing is tougher, it's sounds like this is the case), then it's time for a new barrel. If you are still consistently shooting under 1/2 MOA at 600 yards, I'd say you are still competitive (in F-Class anyhow).

 

[ShootDots]

Generally, what I have found when a barrel is "on it's way out" is that I found my "X" count starts going down. Then soon after the whole accuracy thing collapses. I had this happen once during a match! I was already on a lower "X" count but kept going. Then, the accuracy collapsed! That was not fun to say the least. It was only a few matches after the "X" count was down when it just went south altogether. Don't let that happen.

 

[noload]

Get it over with and buy the new barrel, keep the old one just in case. 7 groups avg. under 1/2MOA is still pretty good @600, but half moa at 300yds is not competitive.

 

[TAJ45]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned this but here goes:

Consider having a smith check your throat for erosion with a scope and or range rods to find out how much the set back should be. If not beyond the pale, well, you get the picture.

I'm just curious, how many rounds down it and your fav powder and pill wgt? MV?

Just some thoughts from someone who can't pop for a new bbl at the drop of a hat.

 

[SierraCJ5]

What is round count on this barrel?

 

[260Ravage]

The barrel has approx 1900 rds on it. I shoot 105s with varget. This barrel is amazingly fast. IT spits em out at 2970 ish. I have periodically used the 80 berger varmint for short range. It will still shoot in the .2s @100yds. Velocity on the 80 grainers is 3300...quick for a BR.

 

[clowdis]

I have a criterion barrel in 6br on an older 112 savage single shot. It has competed in IBS and F class regimens and has done quite well...till lately. The groups are opening up to where competing is really a challenge. I have been considering a new barrel. Problem is this combo still shoots a hair under 1/2 MOA out to 600 yards. (I gathered up 7 random targets, measured each group, and averaged the groups....avarage: minus 1/2 MOA.) I could spend the money and re barrel the gun and still have a half inch shooter. Anybody ever been there? Frustrating!

You are correct that the next new barrel you get may only shoot slightly under 1/2 minute. By buying a barrel from a "top quality" maker you are assuring yourself of better odds that you'll get a barrel that will shoot 1/4 minute. All barrels are not created equal, unfortunately, but if anyone knew how to make all barrels shoot .1 aggs. they would do it. Your barrel is getting "long in the tooth" after nearly 2,000 rounds and probably is starting to loosen up a bit. I'd at least have another barrel ready to go if you aren't happy with the one you have.

 

[260Ravage]

OK......let's assume I am gonna spring for a new barrel. Just for snips and giggles....who is producing the barrel of the day? Bartlien,,,, Krieger,,,, who else?
Another option for me is to buy a prefit.(my present is a criterion prefit and it was outstandingly accurate)
My brother recently installed a shilin select match barrel which he got from Jim at Northland. That barrel is truly outstanding.
Open to any and all comments.
Thanks

 

[ShootDots]

OK......let's assume I am gonna spring for a new barrel. Just for snips and giggles....who is producing the barrel of the day? Bartlien,,,, Krieger,,,, who else?
Another option for me is to buy a prefit.(my present is a criterion prefit and it was outstandingly accurate)
My brother recently installed a shilin select match barrel which he got from Jim at Northland. That barrel is truly outstanding.
Open to any and all comments.
Thanks

My friend on here "smoking-brass" shoots Criterion barrels all the time. His shoot JUST AS WELL as any of the other "Big-Guys" who make barrels. As a matter of fact, I believe that Criterion is a subsidiary of Krieger, BUT with button rifles barrels. Do not think they are of lesser quality. The difference is the button rifling compared to cut rifling.

 

[Baddog0302]

Have you considered cutting the bbl. back just enough to re chamber and have new rifling's for the throat ??

 

[dkhunt14]

Most times a rechamber and recrown will bring them back to what they were and sometimes even better. Matt

 

[Caleb85]

People like me ( that's not a IBS shooter) look for those types of barrels (If I had a savage) ..what's not any longer a good bench barrel, still might make a good PD barrel ! Might recoup some of your money and buy a new one!

 

[dmoran]

Most times a rechamber and recrown will bring them back to what they were and sometimes even better.

+1.... My experience as well.

 

[TAJ45]

Kinda what I was saying... : Consider having a smith check your throat for erosion with a scope and or range rods to find out how much the set back should be. If not beyond the pale, well, you get the picture.

 

[ShootDots]

It is true that "setting back" and recrowning a barrel will do well. However, I believe that you can have a new barrel chambered how you want it and delivered to your door for about $320..00 from Criterion. "Setting one back" and recrowning it may cost nearly that much to begin with..