Interchanging barrels regularly

[divingin]

I swap between short range and long range 6BR barrels. I usually swap at home between shooting sessions, but have swapped at the range several times. Not a big deal; about an MOA max change in POI (usually half that); easily handled with a couple of sighter shots and a few clicks on the scope.

 

[SubVet]

My system is as follows:

Specifically for my F Class FTR rifle, I use a Kelbly F Class Panda action with two bolts, one 223 the other 308. I have two barrels for each caliber, one with a tuner and the other without. Each caliber’s barrels are the same length and profile (heavy Palma).

Specifically for my F Class OPEN rifle, a different Kelbly F Class Panda action with one bolt, for 7mm SAUM. Again, two barrels (tuned and not), again same length but different profile (1.25” straight).
If I decide on another OPEN caliber, I will add another bolt and two more barrels.

In both cases, scopes (two March Majesta, 8 by 80 x 56mm wide angle) are close and require only minor adjustments.

Works for me …..

 

[RabbitSlayer]

If you do decide to do it, invest in a good torque wrench. I have own several cheap torque wrenches from the hardware or auto parts store. They are basically garbage. My buddy borrowed one from work that is certified for aircraft and it was soooooooo sweet.

 

[D Coots]

Record scope settings for each barrel, then change the scope settings when you change barrels. Should have you very close to zero.

A torque wrench is your friend

Later

Dave

 

[Presis Skytter]

I started doing switch barrel setups to save money on actions/stocks/scopes. Switched my hunting actions to BAT so I could interchange barrels between actions depending on the setup I wanted. Now looking at all the barrels, dies, brass, etc I have… I think this route might of cost me more money… but I have a lot of cartridge options lol.

 

[4xforfun]

I don't know many people who swap BBL's more than me. I've swapped one out during the 6 min sighter period of a 1000 yard match because a case separated and I couldn't get the stuck brass out. It took about 2 min. This is my setup. I sometimes make 4 or 5 changes during a the day when I am testing DURING a 1000 yard LG and HG match day.

I have multiple tubes for every gun i own. The dasher I just sold came with SIX BBLS. My lone surviving LG/TAC/PLAY/HUNTING rifle has at least a dozen tubes....... 22 BR , 6 Dasher, 6.5 - 47, 6.5 WSSM, 6.5 Outlaw. 300 WSM, 300 WBY, 300 RUM and 338 EDGE.

Example is one of my hunting guns, but you get the idea. I can switch the BBL on my 85 LB HG with this setup.

Tod

 

[Presis Skytter]

Anyone else go to the range and choose your barrel when you get there?

 

[ChristianSilver]

I built one years ago on a Terminus Zeus quick change action.
6mm Dasher - 284 Win and a 6.5 CM when I was dabbling in PRS, it’s very doable. Just record scope setting from bbl to bbl.
Mine was always almost perfect every swap.
Carried everything needed in a single case.

 

[jackieschmidt]

Anyone else go to the range and choose your barrel when you get there?

In short range, I may take several different barrels with me, and if I have time, will change them out during the practice day to see which one I like the best on that day.

It’s the same when I am just playing around or testing if I have set some barrels back and need to test them.

A really good story about barrel changing at a Match was in Tack Driver 4, Wayne Campbell had a new barrel on his 6PPC, and had practiced all day with it and finally decided that the barrel was not going to cut it. He had the barrel with him that had shot great the year before, late that afternoon he decided to change barrels. He had a fairly decent audience gathered as he did it.
I am not sure if he even had a chance to sight it in.
Wayne also dispelled a lot of “how tight do you install it” questions. He used a big torque wrench with 80+ ftlbs on it.

He won the event.

 

[alf]

I can't be the only one that's never torqued a barrel?

 

[DShortt]

I can't be the only one that's never torqued a barrel?

I 'German Torque' mine.

'Goot'en Tight'.

 

[alf]

I 'German Torque' mine.
'Goot'en Tight'.

I don't really even do the Goot'en version, screw it on till snug & lean on the wrench a bit.

Didja hear about the 10 Polacks that tried to have their way with a German girl?

She kept hollering "Nein Nein", so one of them went home.

 

[rdb8847]

In short range, I may take several different barrels with me, and if I have time, will change them out during the practice day to see which one I like the best on that day.

It’s the same when I am just playing around or testing if I have set some barrels back and need to test them.

A really good story about barrel changing at a Match was in Tack Driver 4, Wayne Campbell had a new barrel on his 6PPC, and had practiced all day with it and finally decided that the barrel was not going to cut it. He had the barrel with him that had shot great the year before, late that afternoon he decided to change barrels. He had a fairly decent audience gathered as he did it.
I am not sure if he even had a chance to sight it in.
Wayne also dispelled a lot of “how tight do you install it” questions. He used a big torque wrench with 80+ ftlbs on it.

He won the event.

Do you have a common load or individually tuned loads for each barrel? Thanks

 

[jackieschmidt]

I can't be the only one that's never torqued a barrel?

Many say “torque” when what they really mean is tighten sufficiently.
I don’t use a torque wrench. I have changed barrels so many times that With my action wrenches, I know exactly what I am doing.

However, for those that have never did the deed, there continues to be a huge mystery surrounding the entire concept, as can be seen by the continuing inquiries on this subject.

 

[jackieschmidt]

Do you have a common load or individually tuned loads for each barrel? Thanks

I have a common load. Keep in mind, in both my 6PPC and 30BR, I shoot the same bullet/barrel/powder combination just about all the time. Since I do use a tuner, I can tweak it to where all the barrels perform.

If a barrel will not shoot my combo, I am not going to spend much time with it anyway.

 

[GetReal]

Aside From the actual variables of changing barrels... and perhaps the greatest problem... is the concern that what's going wrong with your groups is a result of the variables you introduced. You'll start chasing your tail.

It will drive you insane.

Just get another rifle.

If you cant afford that right now, work on perfecting the skills you Have with your existing rifle.

 

[GetReal]

I doubt any serious regular match winners use bbl swap actions.

 

[Owens85]

I doubt any serious regular match winners use bbl swap actions.

You may be wrong about that

 

[DaveTooley]

You may be wrong about that

Very wrong

 

[GetReal]

Very wrong

Who? What disciplines?