Proof vs hardy vs hells canyon carbon

[Matt_3479]

I’m trying to price out a build right now. I have the opportunity to purchase a bighorn sr3 at a good price and was thinking of doing a 30 cal build for mid-weight hunting rifle. I’m not convinced I need a carbon yet due to price but wondering if I decide to swing it, which carbon should I go. My gunsmiths like hardy but it’s also the least popular of the 3. Another gunsmith that I haven’t used but responses in great time and with length, carries good products, and his reputation is good! Seeing more and more of his builds, and he likes proof. And the gentleman/business who I buy most of my parts from and shoots Competitively a lot loves and pushes hell’s canyon when going carbon yet can get all three and sells 2 out of 3 of them. Wondering which barrel you recommend. I know proof has the biggest following but hear amazing things about hells canyon!

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I only use proof or christensen

 

[rhovee]

I have heard to many bad stories about Christensen to buy one. I have some proofs, and have had a HCA carbon barrel. Both shoot fine. The Proof seems to have better laying of the fibers. HCA is a sheet of carbon wrapped around the core. Proof is individual fiber strands cross wrapped. Have not shot or heard much about Hardy. HCA has a longer tennon. Only thing i personally don't like about the HCA is there is not any steel at then end of the barrel for a brake. The break is resting on carbon fiber once its threaded and installed.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I have heard to many bad stories about Christensen to buy one. I have some proofs, and have had a HCA carbon barrel. Both shoot fine. The Proof seems to have better laying of the fibers. HCA is a sheet of carbon wrapped around the core. Proof is individual fiber strands cross wrapped. Have not shot or heard much about Hardy. HCA has a longer tennon. Only thing i personally don't like about the HCA is there is not any steel at then end of the barrel for a brake. The break is resting on carbon fiber once its threaded and installed.

You know how it is with stories. The christensen barrels seem to shoot better now that proof is not wrapping bartlein barrels anymore and they definitely look better the way the cloth lays. I currently shoot both and wouldnt hesitate buying either one for myself. The others i will use if they get sent to me but theyre not for me. I dont hate em they just seem a little more mediocre to me like they used a real good cheap blank in there.

 

[rhovee]

Proof was using Bartlien blanks before? Who are they using now? HCA uses Benchmark blanks.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Proof was using Bartlien blanks before? Who are they using now? HCA uses Benchmark blanks.

They bought lawrence barrels and are making their own now although i did get a bartlein blank in a proof wrap in 375 cal last year

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Proof is making cut barrels in house, all new equipment. Lawrence made good barrels that held records here, but they no longer use that equipment. They also stress relieve their blanks, the only cut barrel I know of doing that. They do make a very good steel barrel. I have chambered them for bench rifles, and they are competitive. The question is, who is reducing accuracy the least by turning them down and wrapping them? I have definitely seen some terrible shooting wrapped barrels. I have only used Proof in the last few years and they seem to be doing a very good job and they stand behind them in my experience.

 

[Shrek]

HCA uses both Benchmark and Rock Creek barrels.

 

[sdean]

If it cost more then why do you need it for hunting?

 

[Matt_3479]

If it cost more then why do you need it for hunting?

Just to shave weight. But I guess I could lighten contour a hair. But don’t want it too light either