Shilen Chrome-moly vs Stainless

[Marksman]

I was wondering if anyone has feedback on the Shilen Chrome-moly barrels? I am curious if they are likely to keep with the accuracy associated with the Shilen stainless barrels? I'm considering trying one, likely to be chambered in 6mmAI, but am wondering if it would be best to just get the stainless, then have it teflon coated? Thanks in advance.

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

I'm not so sure that there's any accuracy difference at all, as long as everything else is equal. The difference in accuracy would probably come down to the differences between two individual barrels, considering that none can be exactly the same.

FWIW, I have a Shilen CM barrel, 10" twist .308, and I'm entirely satisfied with it. I believe it to be a great value, especially considering the cost.

 

[butchlambert]

I have used many of both. I used a CM on a HV benchrest rifle and gave it back to Shilen to inspect after 1200 rounds. It was in just as good of shape as a SS.
Butch

 

[Clark]

Shilen emailed me that he has the SS barrels hand lapped to get out the Copper lap left in the bore from rifling.

This is not done to the CM barrels. He says that they will do it for an extra fee. But I can't get as good a price from Shilen as I can from Brownells, so all my CM Shilen barrels are not lapped.

To put this in perspective, Shilen SS barrels are world class. Shilen CM barres without factory hand lapping are for sure not as good as Douglas XX or Green Mountain barrels. I don't think my Shilen CM barrels are as good as Ruger factory barrels, but I am not sure.

What does it all mean?
Avoid Shilen CM barrels.
Shilen SS barrels are as good as anything in the world.

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

Good Ruger factory barrels - good for what?

 

[butchlambert]

Clark,
What are you trying to say? Are your CM Shilens giving you trouble? Why would you say a Ruger barrel is better than a Shilen? Do you think that hand lapping makes it a more accurate barrel? I don't understand why you trash a barrel because it isn't lapped, but you still buy them.
Butch

 

[rem_kujawa]

I would just get the stainless,when it comes down to it the stainless resisits rusting.

Jon

 

[Clark]

My best group with a Shilen CM is 4.0" and it fouls on the roughness.
My best group with a Ruger is 0.46" and it does not foul.

 

[tightneck]

I have owned several of both like Butch and can say that both are very good for the money. I have not used a CM barrel for my BR guns, but I have for hunting and varmint rifles. I must say that I was skeptical about the non lapped barrels, but I haven't had any issues with them. I am currently having great success with the match grade barrels from Brownell's. I've chambered 3 of them in the last couple months for lightweight hunting rifles and they are performing great. On my personal rifle, a 30-06AI, half minute groups at 100-200-300 yards are the norm. Two others in 6mmAI are doing just as well for others. Matter of fact, one of them poured 3 shots into a bit less than .3 at 300 the other day, lucky for sure, but obviously they will shoot. These blanks cost just a bit over $150, try and find a better quality barrel for that money.

 

[butchlambert]

Clark,
What did Shilen say when you called them about your defective barrel? What did they say when they inspected it?
Butch

 

[lukehalee]

Clark,

If you are not pleased I am positive Shilen would want to talk to you. I have personally found their commitment to satisfying customers to be remarkable.