Lookin Ahead - New Barrel for 6.5 X 55

[Shynloco]

Ok guys,
Here's the deal. Back around 2009, I bought a Ruger M77 in 22-250 to use for target shooting. That purchase was based upon my past experiences with Rugers both in hunting and target shooting. Never had a 22-250 before so I thought I'd try it. Fast forward two years later, I'd never buy any 22-250 caliber again. Probably a great hunting caliber, but ain't worth a hoot on a Target shooting range. Anyways, had my gunsmith convert that baby to a 6.5X55 and put a 28" Hart 1:8 MG barrel on her. Did alot of testing with all sorts of bullets for target shooting purposes and settled in with Sierra 140's and 142's VLDs. Then middle of last year, bought a Benchrest Stock and had my Gunsmith bed the stock. That's when this baby REALLY came to life and shoots some incredible targets that are easily repeatable. But the round count is going up and soon it'll be time for a new 1:8 barrel.

Now the question and please keep in mind two criteria for my purposes....1. I shoot that rifle from the Benchrest position and strictly at 100 yds (eyes suck for anything longer). What I'm looking for is barrel recommendations and the barrel length you'd suggest, keeping the criteria I've listed in mind. I don't want to waste money buying a 29" - 32" if it's not necessary considering the distances I'll be shooting. Thx guys.

Alex

 

[jonbearman]

I wonder what results would have been attained if you had glass bedded when you had the 22-250 barrel on it.If you are hunting I dont see why you would need anything longer than 28 inches.In fact a 26 inch would be fine as far as I am concerned.

 

[wapiti25]

The 22-250 is a great cartridge. Your problems may have been Ruger and their barrels. They are a pain to work on and not worth my time, too many Winchesters and Remington's that are so much easier make shoot. I remember a 77' that came in new and you could not get the bolt to fit the receiver, so much for quality control and cast receivers.

 

[Shynloco]

I wonder what results would have been attained if you had glass bedded when you had the 22-250 barrel on it.If you are hunting I dont see why you would need anything longer than 28 inches.In fact a 26 inch would be fine as far as I am concerned.

Mornin Jon,
The previous stock was bedded and free floated. What SOME FOLKS don't seem to understand (you excluded) is that I wrote I wanted to use the rifle for TARGET SHOOTING and not hunting. The 22-250 is great for hunting certain game, but no matter what loads I worked up, it couldn't keep pace with my "TARGET RIFLES" that I now concentrate on. If I were still hunting, then I'd still have the 22-250. But since she's now a 6.5, your barrel recommendation is much appreciated.

Alex

 

[wapiti25]

Sorry to have gotten of the topic. For a 100yd gun I would go with a small 6mm like the PPC or BR. I would go with a heavy 22" barrel from Krieger or Bartlien. I would also use a fast twist barrel because of the local that the OP lives in, we have wind and mirage that will make you cry. I have been shooting a fast twist 223 Remington at 300yds and 600yds and the heavy bullets make it act like a different cartridge. Fast twist barrels will still shoot good light bullets in the .22 and 6mm barrels I have tried, my Krieger 223 barrel loves 53 gr bullets. My newest build is going to be a 6mm- 6.5X47 L for the 600 yd F-class matches to do battle with the 6 BR's and Dashers, hoping that I can get a few more points in the wind. I'm going to try a Brux barrel on this build but I do have a Krieger waiting in case I don't like the way it shoots. I'm waiting on PT&G for the reamer.

 

[JRS]

Alex:

To satisfy your criteria, 22 inches of barrel will work quite nicely. If it were to be used as a dual purpose 100 yard target and hunting rifle, 24 inches would be the optimal length.

 

[Shynloco]

Sorry to have gotten of the topic. For a 100yd gun I would go with a small 6mm like the PPC or BR. I would go with a heavy 22" barrel from Krieger or Bartlien. I would also use a fast twist barrel because of the local that the OP lives in, we have wind and mirage that will make you cry. I have been shooting a fast twist 223 Remington at 300yds and 600yds and the heavy bullets make it act like a different cartridge. Fast twist barrels will still shoot good light bullets in the .22 and 6mm barrels I have tried, my Krieger 223 barrel loves 53 gr bullets. My newest build is going to be a 6mm- 6.5X47 L for the 600 yd F-class matches to do battle with the 6 BR's and Dashers, hoping that I can get a few more points in the wind. I'm going to try a Brux barrel on this build but I do have a Krieger waiting in case I don't like the way it shoots. I'm waiting on PT&G for the reamer.

My 6mmbr is down at my Gunsmith's where he's putting on a new 1:13.5 Krieger (26") because of the 68 gr Ultra I shoot at 100 yds. He just mounted a new Kreiger 1:18 (24") on my new 30BR build (Remington 700 SA) and does that baby shoot or what! Now as to the 6.5X55 Ruger (which you obviously dislike) it is a play gun that shoots extreme well considering the inherent draw backs of the action. Would I buy another Ruger made today????? HELL NO! Its the sloppiest action of any Rugers I own. And like you, ALL MY reamers come from PTG and I call Dave Kiff whenever I have a new barrel put on any of my rifles just to touch base with him as I already know pretty much what bullet I'll be shooting and Dave helps me with his advice in achieving the best setup possible on a particular rifle.

Alex

 

[stinkitup]

IF just for FUN at 100yds prob don't need to go 30 like you say. I enjoy my old swede which is only 23 or so but its used for hunting as well. I also have an ackley version on a savage with a 30" shilen hanging on it.

If it was just for target then the longer barrel with slower powders will help the heavy projectiles and if your not carrying it then 26 would be pretty good or even 28 as aren't most barrels 28 to begin with then shorten up during chambering. Can always get it lopped off if you want it shorter, easy to cut than to glue some back on.

Ryan

 

[C. Collins]

Bigger bullets equal bigger holes, I'd go with a 6mm br on a cut rifled barrel. I'd go 8 twist, 23.5" long blank in either a Krieger, obermeyer, bartlein. At 100 yards you will not be disappointed. It's easy to tune, good brass, many quality bullets, lighter charge weight so it doesn't cost a lot to shoot. Just my thoughts.

 

[Hopkins]

I have a 28" Krieger 5R 1-8" 6.5X55 that I shoot 140 Amaxs with. It's partial to IMR 4350 and is dirty,dirty,dirty with 4831 IMR or H. It probably would be just as good 26" as 28" out to 300. I'm guessing the velocity I load and hBN should keep the barrel good for 1500+ rounds.

 

[JRS]

It appears the criteria stated by the OP has been lost in translation.
He is shooting at 100 yards. NOT 1000 yards.

 

[Hopkins]

And he is replacing a 28" barrel with another ?. He can go to a 22" and launch 140's at 2550 fps and save his barrel.

 

[JRS]

And he is replacing a 28" barrel with another ?. He can go to a 22" and launch 140's at 2550 fps and save his barrel.

Sounds like you need to learn your way around the the "old girl". I have recorded 2790 fps shooting the 140 grain Nosler ballistic tip using MRP. BTW, the above figure is from a 22 1/2" long barrel ;D

 

[Hopkins]

You sure won't have much of a barrel left with that load after 700 or so rounds I would guess. But, yes, you can load the 6.5 Swede hotter than published velocities when its chambered in a modern action.

 

[JRS]

The old girl happens to be pretty gentle on a barrel. The particular gun I mentioned happens to have just over 2000 rounds down the barrel. She's still plenty accurate. My BJAI versions are a different story ;D