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Zermatt RimX 22LR Review - Bartlein, Benchmark, GM, Krieger, Lilja

I didnt shoot every single shot over the Labradar but here is results for each of the above ammo shot @ 100yd. SD 5/ ES19 for 22lr ammo ill take all day long

Center X 606324





Center X 700427





Ultramatch

 
Have my RimX due in next week, TT Diamond trigger, MDT XRS chassis, and Shilen barrel also. Can't wait to try it out against my Winchester 52B from 1948 and my 2 Annies, a 1907 and 1700FWT.
 
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Lee Gardner Precision. #5 Shilen Ratchet @21" with JGS Match reamer. A customer had ordered this and changed his mind so I picked it up. Future barrels I will do myself. My son shoots the RimX and he is doing his own barrels and he has several types of reamers to try so will see what works best for us. He is using 52D reamer at present.
 
Ive been planning a high end 22lr build as a gift for my dad this year. Was pretty set on vudoo until the rim X came out. Ive been holding off ordering anything until more reviews came out. This keystones accuracy deal is pretty tempting to jump on... If one were to order up a BA what barrel would you you with? Green mtn, Krieger, benchmark? I like deals but the extra $ isn't an issue. Trying to make sure I do it right. He has a farm and private gun range. Ive drug him into "long range" shooting the last few years and I know he would really enjoy the rimfire thing. Thanks!
 
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Got the Bartlein screwed on early this morning for the 3rd barrel in this RimX review and headed to the range. Goal today was do the normal 10x5's @ 50yds with the usual ammo. We have a new WINNER right now and the accuracy is downright insane. What is more insane, is the accuracy consistency across all the different ammo tested from cheap to expensive 22LR match ammo.

@Frank Green this 22LR Bartlein blank you sent me for this RimX review and testing is the 3rd barrel tested in this review so far. It is shooting UNREAL numbers consistently as hell. While the first 2 barrels (Benchmark and Green Mountain) have shot very very good numbers, how unpicky this Bartlein is ammo wise is insane. The cheapest ammo today SK+ shot better than ANY 22lr Ive ever shot to date. The Ultramatch was right there which always shoots lights out in 22LR Bartlein's Ive tested and the CenterX just continues to hammer away!

I keep saying this with each barrel, but more so now then ever, I cannot wait to shoot this Bartlein at 100yds!! Since everyone always asks, this Bartlein is the same exact barrel specs as all the others tested. Same contour, length, muzzle threading, chamber and gunsmith.

20" Bartlein M24
Muzzle Threaded 1/2-28 (0.400" Long)
22LR Match Eachus chamber

CenterX - 700427
10x5= 0.192" AGG
6x5= 0.180" AGG

CenterX - 606324
10x5= 0.281" AGG
6x5= 0.222" AGG

Federal UM22
10x5= 0.252" AGG
6x5= 0.197" AGG

Federal Match 922A
10x5= 0.361" AGG
6x5= 0.396" AGG

Wolf Match Extra - 30104
10x5= 0.378" AGG
6x5= 0.340" AGG

SK Rifle Match - 13294
10x5= 0.385" AGG
6x5= 0.362" AGG

SK Standard + - 20012
10x5= 0.249" AGG
6x5= 0.197" AGG




Target below was shot from left to right. Started with bottom row and finished with top row.













 
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Got the Bartlein screwed on early this morning for the 3rd barrel in this RimX review and headed to the range. Goal today was do the normal 10x5's @ 50yds with the usual ammo. We have a new WINNER right now....

@Frank Green this 22LR Bartlein blank you sent me for this RimX review and testing is the 3rd barrel tested in this review so far. It is shooting UNREAL numbers consistently as hell. While the first 2 barrels (Benchmark and Green Mountain) have shot very very good numbers, how unpicky this Bartlein is ammo wise is insane. The cheapest ammo today SK+ shot better than ANY 22lr Ive ever shot to date. The Ultramatch was right there which always shoots lights out in 22LR Bartlein's Ive tested and the CenterX just continues to hammer away!

Hey Dominic, Nice write up! Thanks!

It's what I say all the time....the straighter the blank, the more uniform the bore dimensions are over the length of the barrel and the more uniform the twist and the more stress free the blank is....the more forgiving the barrel is going to be.

This is what sets apart cut barrels vs button rifled barrels etc...and makes the cut barrels more consistent from one to the next. Not to say you cannot get a great button barrel.....but I just don't see the consistency from one to the next.

Not just me saying that either....ammo and bullet makers say the same thing. Even just last year one ammo maker ran into a problem during testing in 300wm. Our barrels where only giving 1moa for accuracy. They thought the barrel was bad. Thru a 2nd Bartlein in the test fixture. Did the same thing. So then they tried not one, not two but three button barrels (I'm with holding the brand) and all three button barrels shot no better than 2.5moa. That pointed out to them that they knew they had a ammo problem but it also showed them how much a really good barrel helped a bad situation.

Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels
 
Got the Bartlein screwed on early this morning for the 3rd barrel in this RimX review and headed to the range. Goal today was do the normal 10x5's @ 50yds with the usual ammo. We have a new WINNER right now and the accuracy is downright insane. What is more insane, is the accuracy consistency across all the different ammo tested from cheap to expensive 22LR match ammo.

@Frank Green this 22LR Bartlein blank you sent me for this RimX review and testing is the 3rd barrel tested in this review so far. It is shooting UNREAL numbers consistently as hell. While the first 2 barrels (Benchmark and Green Mountain) have shot very very good numbers, how unpicky this Bartlein is ammo wise is insane. The cheapest ammo today SK+ shot better than ANY 22lr Ive ever shot to date. The Ultramatch was right there which always shoots lights out in 22LR Bartlein's Ive tested and the CenterX just continues to hammer away!

I keep saying this with each barrel, but more so now then ever, I cannot wait to shoot this Bartlein at 100yds!! Since everyone always asks, this Bartlein is the same exact barrel specs as all the others tested. Same contour, length, muzzle threading, chamber and gunsmith.

20" Bartlein M24
Muzzle Threaded 1/2-28 (0.400" Long)
22LR Match Eachus chamber

CenterX - 700427
10x5= 0.192" AGG
6x5= 0.182" AGG

CenterX - 606324
10x5= 0.281" AGG
6x5= 0.222" AGG

Federal UM22
10x5= 0.252" AGG
6x5= 0.197" AGG

Federal Match 922A
10x5= 0.361" AGG
6x5= 0.396" AGG

Wolf Match Extra - 30104
10x5= 0.378" AGG
6x5= 0.340" AGG

SK Rifle Match - 13294
10x5= 0.385" AGG
6x5= 0.362" AGG

SK Standard + - 20012
10x5= 0.249" AGG
6x5= 0.197" AGG




Target below was shot from left to right. Started with bottom row and finished with top row.















That is some fantastic results! Unfortunately I can't open up the pics to see enlarged. Normally your pics open fine for me.
 
That is some fantastic results! Unfortunately I can't open up the pics to see enlarged. Normally your pics open fine for me.

Must be your device. Same picture hosting as every other picture I've ever posted. I can click on every one and they open right up from 3 different devices
 
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I already have a Shilen barrel with my smith and am waiting for him to cut it, but looking at the way that Bartlein is shooting is making me seriously rethink my choice in barrels. Reading this is also killing me as you get to shoot now and I probably wont be shooting for months...

Thank you! I think...
 
Must be your device. Same picture hosting as every other picture I've ever posted. I can click on every one and they open right up from 3 different devices
Using my desk top just as always, I'll keep trying. Thanks

Something must have changed as I went back to pics that I used to be able to see in imgur, and now nothing. I'll have to check into this.
 
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I get people that ask me alot what to buy and why to spend so much. It's all about consistency. Seems to me the more you spend the more that crazy one hole group is more common.

And I have been saying this for a while now about bartleins. After testing several drop ins in the last year the consistency of the bartlein is unreal.
 
padom,

update on the imgur issue, works fine today, must have been a glitch somewhere.
 
I get people that ask me alot what to buy and why to spend so much. It's all about consistency. Seems to me the more you spend the more that crazy one hole group is more common.

And I have been saying this for a while now about bartleins. After testing several drop ins in the last year the consistency of the bartlein is unreal.

The old saying goes, "you get what you pay for!"

Yes sometimes cheaper/less cost items ends up working like a million bucks but again you come back to consistency etc......sometimes cheaper/less cost doesn't effect application....with all that being said and when it comes to accuracy and firearms....if the guns not accurate....you usually end up not liking it and either getting rid of it or rebuilding it again. Then it can end up costing you more money.

Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels
 
Had a nice long conversation with @Frank Green over at Bartlein barrels today. Those of you looking for Bartlein RimX prefits like mine tested above can place orders with Keystone Accuracy. The will have some blanks coming from Bartlein. Pricing and timeframe will be available in the next day or two.

I also talked to Frank about your guys requests for Bartlein carbon wrapped 22lr RimX prefits. We can do that too. Need 10 preorders and I can get Bartlein carbon fiber RimX prefits to you guys. These would be 20" finish length M24 barrels. If there is another contour everyone really really wants, I can probably do 5 of one contour and 5 of the other. These would be finished by Keystone Accuracy and chambered with my 22LR Match Eachus chamber just like my Bartlein posted yesterday.

PM me if your interested in a Bartlein carbon 22LR barrel.
 
That's awesome news about the bartlein. If I go rim x I would like to run their barrel. Will have to call keystones in the next day or 2. Although that carbon sounds tempting... I'm a sucker for carbon barrels... Most my rifles wear them. Any idea on what price difference will be? Need to PM you about that?
 
Frank, do you all plan on selling RimX prefits? What is your estimate for prefits or blanks?

TIA

For the most part we don't do prefits. At this time standard Savage target barrels and Impact Precision.

With that being said even the Savage prefits...I'll say 1 out of 10 there there are issues with them. The factory type actions just vary too much. That's the biggest reason we don't really offer prefits. Tolerances.

We can make you the blank but you will need your smith to fit it up/install it etc....

later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels
 
Waiting to hear back from John @ kestone accuracy about the bartlein barrels and theres a good chance I will be picking up a couple rimx packages
 
For the most part we don't do prefits. At this time standard Savage target barrels and Impact Precision.

With that being said even the Savage prefits...I'll say 1 out of 10 there there are issues with them. The factory type actions just vary too much. That's the biggest reason we don't really offer prefits. Tolerances.

We can make you the blank but you will need your smith to fit it up/install it etc....

later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels
Where can you order the impact prefits?
 
Alright here is the link to the Group Buy for the first Bartlein Carbon Fiber 22LR RimX prefits out there. They do not sell 22LR Carbon fiber barrels now so you want one, this is the way.

 
Not to derail this thread, but for the uninitiated .22lr shooters, what are the primary differentiators between the Zermatt and Vudoo?
 
Not to derail this thread, but for the uninitiated .22lr shooters, what are the primary differentiators between the Zermatt and Vudoo?

Purely from a design/specs perspective... the RimX differs in these ways

6 o'clock firing pin
Interchangeable bolt head
Tooless bayonet style fire control
New tensioner design that holds the case against the bolt face making headspace a non issue allowing you to shoot a wide range of ammo accurately....
Work of art 10rd billet magazine included with action

Ability to get prefit barrels without ever having to send your action anywhere
 
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Purely from a design/specs perspective...

6 o'clock firing pin
Interchangeable bolt head
Tooless bayonet style fire control
New tensioner design that holds the case against the bolt face making headspace a non issue allowing you to shoot a wide range of ammo accurately....
Work of art 10rd billet magazine included with action

Ability to get prefit barrels without ever having to send your action anywhere

60* bolt throw.
 
Link to the $1685 RimX deal?
Can't find it

Current Sales right at the top of their website

 
Current Sales right at the top of their website

Thanks
 
Must be. Because I was sure the RimX was. 😊
Tbh the only reason I haven't ordered a RimX already is that I like the short bolt throw on my T1X. Debating if that is minor enough that I wont miss it if I get a RimX. Padoms results are amazing which is making it more and more likely that I get a rimx.
 
100% 90 degree but the swept bolt handle keeps it away from your scope. Its smooth as butter, I could care less about 60 degree. My experience with 60 is they bolt lift is heavier because of the shorter throw.
 
Got the Bartlein screwed on early this morning for the 3rd barrel in this RimX review and headed to the range. Goal today was do the normal 10x5's @ 50yds with the usual ammo. We have a new WINNER right now and the accuracy is downright insane. What is more insane, is the accuracy consistency across all the different ammo tested from cheap to expensive 22LR match ammo.

@Frank Green this 22LR Bartlein blank you sent me for this RimX review and testing is the 3rd barrel tested in this review so far. It is shooting UNREAL numbers consistently as hell. While the first 2 barrels (Benchmark and Green Mountain) have shot very very good numbers, how unpicky this Bartlein is ammo wise is insane. The cheapest ammo today SK+ shot better than ANY 22lr Ive ever shot to date. The Ultramatch was right there which always shoots lights out in 22LR Bartlein's Ive tested and the CenterX just continues to hammer away!

I keep saying this with each barrel, but more so now then ever, I cannot wait to shoot this Bartlein at 100yds!! Since everyone always asks, this Bartlein is the same exact barrel specs as all the others tested. Same contour, length, muzzle threading, chamber and gunsmith.

20" Bartlein M24
Muzzle Threaded 1/2-28 (0.400" Long)
22LR Match Eachus chamber

CenterX - 700427
10x5= 0.192" AGG
6x5= 0.182" AGG

CenterX - 606324
10x5= 0.281" AGG
6x5= 0.222" AGG

Federal UM22
10x5= 0.252" AGG
6x5= 0.197" AGG

Federal Match 922A
10x5= 0.361" AGG
6x5= 0.396" AGG

Wolf Match Extra - 30104
10x5= 0.378" AGG
6x5= 0.340" AGG

SK Rifle Match - 13294
10x5= 0.385" AGG
6x5= 0.362" AGG

SK Standard + - 20012
10x5= 0.249" AGG
6x5= 0.197" AGG




Target below was shot from left to right. Started with bottom row and finished with top row.















Your gun is shooting consistently in the high 0.1s at 50Y with half the ammo you tested. That is truly amazing!
 
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Tbh the only reason I haven't ordered a RimX already is that I like the short bolt throw on my T1X. Debating if that is minor enough that I wont miss it if I get a RimX. Padoms results are amazing which is making it more and more likely that I get a rimx.

Get the RimX.
 
I just ordered a Bartlein for my RimX. If this shoots even better than the GM barrel I received from John at Keystone I could go to Benchrest comp. with a repeater lol.
Seriously, getting this RimX was the best decision I made in a long time thanks to Orkan‘s, Reubenski’s and Padom‘s great testing and reviews.
 
Lee Gardner Precision. #5 Shilen Ratchet @21" with JGS Match reamer. A customer had ordered this and changed his mind so I picked it up. Future barrels I will do myself. My son shoots the RimX and he is doing his own barrels and he has several types of reamers to try so will see what works best for us. He is using 52D reamer at present.
Got mine finished today and fired a few functional test rounds. Had to remove.001” from breech face as bolt was scraping the face when torqued @ 50 ft lbs. still in the factory spec. but is smooth now. Should go out next week to do some ammo testing.
 

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