First build barrel question

[Rustybroadhead]

I am about to start collecting parts for my first rifle build. I have seen a great deal on who makes the best action and who builds the best rifle, but I haven't been able to find anything on who makes the best barrel. There are a few names that I see on a regular basis but I really wanted to hear from some guys that have built several rifles and have some practical knowledge.

Maybe your top 5 barrel makers.....

A little background… I have a long action 700 action to build from (not a magnum). I am thinking about 6.5x284, 6.5-06 or 280AI and most likely an AI stock. That is about as far as I have gotten. I will be using this mostly for practical/tactical competition.

Or, another option…. Sell the long action and buy something already built or a short action 700 to start the build with.

 

[Copyleader]

Re: First build barrel question

A lot of good ones out there, I use Krieger and Rock Creek Barrels almost exclusively, talk to Paul at Rock Creek, he'll take care of you. Also, with a 700, the bolt face can be opened up to accept the magnum cartridges if you so desire.

 

[JB02]

Re: First build barrel question

bartlein, krieger, brux, rock creek, shelien select match, obermeyer. all of these are good. I'm sure there are many more that others have used with great success. any single point cut match barrel will serve you just fine. go with what's available or has the most reasonable wait time. bartlein is quoting 8 months on their website.

 

[Rustybroadhead]

Re: First build barrel question

Thank you both for the input. The wait time is what I am really trying to avoid. Seems everyone has a pretty extended wait time which I was trying to avoid.

 

[rlr]

Re: First build barrel question

Welcome to the world of wait!

I use Rock Creek, primarily. I have used Bartlein, Krieger, Douglas Air Gauge, and Shilen Select Match, and have had excellent results with all of them.

Any of the Match barrels will yield good results.

 

[calling4life]

Re: First build barrel question

Go to bugholes.com, if he doesn't have what you're looking for try grizzly tool, they sell bartleins.

I just bought my rock from bugholes, everything went fantastically smoothly.

I managed to snag a McMillan without waiting as well, though I sent it off for an adj. Loggerhead cheekpiece.

 

[Rustybroadhead]

Re: First build barrel question

Brutal.... guess there is no way around it

 

[Rustybroadhead]

Re: First build barrel question

Good info Callingforlife.... I really appreciate that!

 

[bcpdshooter]

Re: First build barrel question

I use rock creek 5r 11.25 on my 308. I have a bartlein 5r for a 260 build 8 twist. You really need to figure out what you are building first. I prefer short actions and would probably be a good choice for your first build. Then what grain bullet you plan on shooting. I believe that it is about a 6-8 week wait on a rock creek. Kreiger is another good choice. 5r cut rifling in any of the above listed makers.
+1 on welcome to the world of wait. Good luck.

 

[swampbuck]

Re: First build barrel question

I think that you should spec it out then go from there.

Do you want CM or stainless.

I like krieger but a contour 5 is a minimum stainless contour that they make in several calibers they go smaller in CM. No good for a stainless mountain rig.

Do you want flutes. Hart has several options.

Some manufactures don't like to flute (Broughton charges 175.00 AKA we don't like to flute)

Cut or Button rifleing. Cut = Bartlein, Krieger, Rock, Brux, Obermeyer

Button = Hart, Shilen, Lilja, Pac Nor, Broughton, Schneider

Some say cut rifling is better and last longer.

Some say Button rifling has a superior interior finish with no tool marks.

Some say cut rifling is better because it takes more skill from the machinist. I really don't buy that, the more skill required the more margin for human error. Ease of manufacturing is not a bad thing in my opinion.

They have all spent a lot of time in the winners circle.

Then 4, 5, or 6 grooves.

Gain twist? = Bartlein.

5r? = Bartlein, Broughton, Shilen, or Krieger ($30 EXTRA FOR KRIEGER) I personnally won't pay extra for what other companies will do standard.

Like I said. Spec it out. That will narrow down your list. Then go with what your smith reccommends. On the off chance that your rifle won't shoot you don't want him to say that you didin't use the companies he recommends.

Personally I have had great luck with Hart, Broughton, and Krieger but would shoot any of the ones mentioned if the price or wait was right.