Well guys I'm thinking about building a rifle using a proof research Barrel but don't know much about carbon fiber barrels if somebody could give me a little bit of insight would be great I'm kind of on the fence. Some say they are accurate some say they are not... Would like to hear from some of you guys it's got some real experience with these kind of barrels. Don't know if this will make any difference but it's going to be chambered in 30 Nosler and would like to keep the barrel under 26 " with a break
Proof research barrels
- Thread starter Jaybo
- Start date
I personally built a 30 Nosler on a Stiller Predator action with a Proof barrel 1:10 twist shooting at 4000' and hunting at 7500' +. Built it at 26" + a radial break while at the range and a thread protector while hunting. Took me a bit to get it dialed in, but some of that was probably my fault. Base on the action we forgot to double check and wiggled a bit loose over time. However, it's shooting lights out now with H-1000 and 215 Hybrids. I've taken a black bear and bull elk the last 2 years with it. Love the Proof barrel and have another Proof on a 300 WM, shooting awesome as well.
What kind of speed are you getting with the 215 Berger.
If all a carbon wrapped barrel allows is to shave a couple ounces off overall weight, that's not enough 'proof' (for me) to justify spending 2-3x the price of a quality stainless barrel...
But, I could be persuaded to try one, if I'm failing to identify other benefit(s) of wrapped barrels.
Do they last longer?
Cool faster?
More accurate?
Obviously the technology to assemble them is costly, hence the high price. But, how does that added expense benefit the end user?
But, I could be persuaded to try one, if I'm failing to identify other benefit(s) of wrapped barrels.
Do they last longer?
Cool faster?
More accurate?
Obviously the technology to assemble them is costly, hence the high price. But, how does that added expense benefit the end user?
The proof research barrels that I've looked at have been around $700 for a 26-inch long blank. . that's one reason why I was asking everyone on here the pros and cons of a proof research Barrel I would like to try one but don't know if it's worth it
Kurz
Silver $$ Contributor
According to the Proof Research website and the Bartlein website, the following is a sample of the Sendero barrel weights:
Proof = 3 lbs.
Bartlein = 4.65 lbs.
Slightly more than just a couple of ounces...
According to the Proof Research website and the Bartlein website, the following is a sample of the Sendero barrel weights:
Proof = 3 lbs.
Bartlein = 4.65 lbs.
Slightly more than just a couple of ounces...
First off, a 26" Proof Sendero blank is 3lbs 5oz., per their site:
https://www.proofresearch.com/the-products/barrels/bolt-action-cf-barrels/
So that narrows the margin, already...
What's stopping someone from utilizing a lighter contour stainless barrel, to mitigate that difference back to "ounces"?
Or, is there some pre-conceived hang up about using a particular (large) contour? The fact that wrapped barrels only come in (large) contours doesn't stop anyone from opting smaller on a stainless barrel. And, getting two of em, for the same investment...
If barrel is for a hunting rifle, just run a 3B, or even a straight #3, then you'll literally be within 2 ounces of any of the necessarily fat wrapped barrel contours. Thoughts on that?
If it was about weight savings, aesthetics, etc... I would say try one. If your concerns are money, the proof barrel can never pay for itself, heck you can buy 2 SS barrels for the same price.
I had 2 Dashers built this summer, I went with a proof carbon on one, partially for weight, the other was looks, it matches the stock great. This is not a testimonial, but it flat out performs. It had a rough spot 6" in that was stripping copper, a few rds down it and one session with JB eliminated it, and today we really like it.
I had said I'd never spend the money on one, would I replace it with another, I cannot answer that today, money would be the deciding factor next time, because about all doubts were erased from the first one.
First off, a 26" Proof Sendero blank is 3lbs 5oz., per their site:
https://www.proofresearch.com/the-products/barrels/bolt-action-cf-barrels/
So that narrows the margin, already...
What's stopping someone from utilizing a lighter contour stainless barrel, to mitigate that difference back to "ounces"?
Or, is there some pre-conceived hang up about using a particular (large) contour? The fact that wrapped barrels only come in (large) contours doesn't stop anyone from opting smaller on a stainless barrel. And, getting two of em, for the same investment...
If barrel is for a hunting rifle, just run a 3B, or even a straight #3, then you'll literally be within 2 ounces of any of the necessarily fat wrapped barrel contours. Thoughts on that?
Tell guys all the time...if you want to save some weight...drop the contour size. You won’t give anything up in terms of performance.
Good example...I rebuilt a old Browning Sako Safari for my wife several years ago. Went from .243win. To .260 Rem. Muzzle diameter is .600” @ 22” finish. Shot everything from 120gr to 140gr. Bullets thru it. The gun averages right around 1/2moa. Not picky etc...and with out the scope weighs 7.5#. With a 2.5-10x NF scope and sling it weighs 9#. I like the rifle so much I wanted to keep it for myself but it’s right handed. I’m a lefty!
Later, Frank
Kurz
Silver $$ Contributor
My eyes jumped to the 24" barrel...
But the weight savings is still well over a pound even given the correction for length. It certainly isn't a 'couple of ounces' of difference.
Nothing but that wasn't the question.
Obviously you can choose a lighter contour to save weight and the only reason I can see for using the 'fatter' contours is because of the stock inlet. Now, that may not seem like a good reason but then why do all the stock makers offer a "Remington Varmint/Sendero" with that stupid short shank? Drop-in convenience for the amateurs.
In reality, a hunting rifle can be well suited to use a #3 or #3b contour if stainless is your preference or you are O.K. with Cerakote. (I haven't used a chrome moly barrel in years) However, in many cases the look of the carbon fiber wrap on the Proof barrels is a huge draw for many shooters. It is the look for many shooters. You will try to argue about this but when I ask clients why they want the Proof wrapped barrels, first is weight, second is the appearance. And, when you get into the price range of the upper end custom rifles, $800 is not that big of a deal for many.
But the weight savings is still well over a pound even given the correction for length. It certainly isn't a 'couple of ounces' of difference.
Nothing but that wasn't the question.
Obviously you can choose a lighter contour to save weight and the only reason I can see for using the 'fatter' contours is because of the stock inlet. Now, that may not seem like a good reason but then why do all the stock makers offer a "Remington Varmint/Sendero" with that stupid short shank? Drop-in convenience for the amateurs.
In reality, a hunting rifle can be well suited to use a #3 or #3b contour if stainless is your preference or you are O.K. with Cerakote. (I haven't used a chrome moly barrel in years) However, in many cases the look of the carbon fiber wrap on the Proof barrels is a huge draw for many shooters. It is the look for many shooters. You will try to argue about this but when I ask clients why they want the Proof wrapped barrels, first is weight, second is the appearance. And, when you get into the price range of the upper end custom rifles, $800 is not that big of a deal for many.
STOMP442
Gold $$ Contributor
I've had some mixed results with them. I own one but only because I found an amazing deal on a blank, ($400). I haven't seen them shoot any better than any other barrel manufacturer. That being said it all boils down to looks and status just like anything else. Personally, I would much rather pay for a Shilen #4 and get the same results on paper or in the field but a lot of guys like the look of a heavier barrel especially with some of the stocks available today. If those looks are worth the cost more power to them. When I have a client that wants to build a lightweight rifle and start obsessing over ounces I always tell them that I would much rather shave weight from my pack or my gut than my rifle.
Light Sendero from Proof matches a Sendero from Bartlein. Mine comes in at 2 7/8 lbs vs 4.65 lbs. Way more than a few ounces. A Sendero from Proof is 1" at the muzzle. Huge difference when the rifle is being carried many miles on a hunt. Combined with a Titanium action or lightened 700 action and carbon fiber stock, rifle weight comes in around 7 lbs. 8 to 8.5 with scope ready to roll. Good stuff!!
Paul
Paul
The proofs shoot lights out and clean up very quickly. The one im doing load development for right now broke in/velocity stabilized in only 50 rounds. The ladder test I did this morning had a .6 gr spread in powder go into .8"@400 yards with 6fps es. 195 berger at 3075 fps. I will be doing some tinkering in that area tonight with it. I test fired three 28 noslers a couple days ago and they all shot the same load into .2" at 100 off the bipod. They are 12 oz lighter than a fluted #5 contour so for a hunting rifle that is a huge weight savings. Im honestly using more proof carbons on builds right now than stainless barrels. For a hunting rifle that only gets fired 20x's a year tops the extra cost is nothing considering the barrel will last you 30 years at that point. Youll blow more money than that in the bar in that time period. My personal lightweight 300 norma improved got one put on it yesterday. The stock is off at Custom Gun Coatings getting an awesome paint job done on it. Im going to put the March 2.5-25 on it and the complete rifle with optics should weigh right at a smidge under 9lbs. If I don't put the march on it I will be going with one of the new Kahles K525i scopes I have instock. Ill be taking it with me in the spring to Alaska for grizzly. One last trip out west with my grandfather. Figured Alaska is about as badass as it gets and it will be a trip we will remember for the rest of our lives.
B23
Gold $$ Contributor
I've done a good amount of research on CF wrapped barrels to their benefits and it pretty much boils down to this, aesthetics, and nothing more. If you're like myself, and prefer the "look" of a larger contour barrel, but you don't want the added weight, then a CF wrapped barrel may be for you. I believe A fluted #4 is very close to the same weight as a CF wrapped barrel.
There has been a lot of talk over the years to the benefits of CR wrapped barrels. They're lighter, they're stiffer, they cool faster, but those claims require you to read the fine print and once you do, you quickly realize it's more about word trickery and how they come about making any of those claims.
Once you boil off all the BS it pretty much comes down to aesthetics. Personally, I like how they look, especially when the brake matches the contour of the barrel, but short of being more appealing to the eye for some of us, they really do nothing else better than a all steel barrel, and in all actuality, by the time they turn the barrel down and wrap it, the risk of there being potential problems with the barrel are likely higher.
There has been a lot of talk over the years to the benefits of CR wrapped barrels. They're lighter, they're stiffer, they cool faster, but those claims require you to read the fine print and once you do, you quickly realize it's more about word trickery and how they come about making any of those claims.
Once you boil off all the BS it pretty much comes down to aesthetics. Personally, I like how they look, especially when the brake matches the contour of the barrel, but short of being more appealing to the eye for some of us, they really do nothing else better than a all steel barrel, and in all actuality, by the time they turn the barrel down and wrap it, the risk of there being potential problems with the barrel are likely higher.
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dcali
Bullet Maker
I used to work on aerospace composites for a living. They’re not simple and there are things that can go wrong that you cannot see. That’s not to say proof is unreliable, but that’s the nature of composites. I really have no idea, as I’ve not used proof’s barrels, but my initial reaction to them is that dropping down a countour is a much more sensible way to go.
BoydAllen
Gold $$ Contributor
A friend builds custom rifles for his son's gun shop. He has built a number of them with Proof Research carbon fiber barrels, and reports that they are excellent. He routinely casts laps to measure the groove diameter and consistency of barrels, before chambering them, and he tells me that they are very consistent from end to end and quite dimensionally correct. In California this is important because hunting in state is mandated as with no lead bullets and the Barnes bullets are popular. They do not slug up or swage down like lead core bullets, so having the right match between bullet and barrel is critical, or you will have an accuracy or fouling issue. His customers are often willing to pay for barrels being broken in so he is more familiar with how they break in and shoot than he might otherwise be.
I was recently on an elk hunt New Mexico at Johnson's Mesa and I was having to Lug around my 338 Edge this wasn't the first time .I've had the gun for about 6 years now. I've made some really impressive long shots with it on animals love it is just too heavy the whole time I was in the mountains the only thing I can think of is how can I make this thing lighter. And that's what got me thinking about trying a proof research Barrel you guys have all been making a lot of good points but when it comes down to it weight is the big issue for me and accuracy.
Ledd Slinger
Silver $$ Contributor
I have a Proof on order right now. 30 cal, 28" length, 1 in 9" twist, full Sendero contour. Should have it in March. Building a packable 300 Norma Magnum Improved hunting rifle.
I like long heavy contour barrels, but heavy doesn't pack very well in high mountain country. Carbon let's me keep a big rigid contour barrel that's long enough to maximize large magnum velocities with slow powders, but without adding the extra 3 lbs to my rifle.
Lot more to it than "aesthetics"
I like long heavy contour barrels, but heavy doesn't pack very well in high mountain country. Carbon let's me keep a big rigid contour barrel that's long enough to maximize large magnum velocities with slow powders, but without adding the extra 3 lbs to my rifle.
Lot more to it than "aesthetics"
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