Old Navy
Gold $$ Contributor
I decided I wanted to get back to shooting my 6.5X284. Had a Savage large shank barrel in the closet I took off my Model 12 Benchrest a couple years ago. I installed it with .002" headspace. I opened a new box of Lapua that just came in today. Loaded some 142 SMK up with three different powders and seated them right at the lands. First two three shots groups were my original best shooter when I took the barrel off. 51.5 H4831 SC. All was well. Primers looked good and easy lift. Third group was 48 grains of H4350. Also looked good. While the barrel was cooling I put my reading glasses on for a better look. That is when I noticed the cracks in the photo. They are deep enough to catch them with my fingernail. They run about 3/4 around the neck. I have never seen or read anything here like this. I know the first thing you guys will ask is if I scoped the barrel. Got the note pad out. Bad battery. Charged battery and hooked up Tslong. Must have a broken wire. Kept cutting on and off but I finally got a few good photos. What a day. Hope you guys can help me decide whether it is the barrel or brass.