I recently picked one of the AAC 260 barrels up. When I was trying to do some research on it, it didn't seem like there was much out there yet. A few specific question threads but not much else. So here's some compiled links and info, and some pics of the barrel as received from MidwayUSA.
AAC Page
AAC 260 Barrel on Midway
PDF Install Instructions
Some miscellaneous quotes from rsilvers regarding the barrels (from SilencerTalk):
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rsilvers (source = SilencerTalk)</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
It is actually a straight taper and very rigid. The weight is where it matters, near the back. We did finite element analysis. The last 3 inches are not tapered so you can use an over the barrel can.
I consider these premium barrels. They are made to AAC engineering drawings on CNC equipment which is why the price is not high considering their features (I paid $796 for an AI barrel with a thread protector). They benefit from us having access to Remington drawings for fit but the chambers do not use Remington reamers. They also benefit from our knowledge to hold threads concentric to the bore, and the drawing requires it.
Bolt guns barrels are 4140, AR barrels are 4150.
Because you are asking - that makes me think I need to clarify - CM is better for barrels which are nitrided. Stainless is only barrel for raw barrels.
The medium barrel is heavier than an OEM varmint contour near the action (but makes up for it later on with the taper), and so unless you get an M24 type stock, you can expect to need some inletting.
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Another quote from here on SH regarding throat length:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rsilvers</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
If you load a Sierra 142 or Lapua 139, they won't touch the lands if loaded to SAAMI OAL. But yes, if you want to load beyond SAAMI length (but less than full mag length), you can touch the lands. Pressure goes up when you touch lands though.
</div></div>
All that said, it seemed like an intriguing option to me, and an easy way to spruce up my LTR. Here are some pics as the barrel came from Midway:
Side by side with factory LTR barrel (which was cut to 18.5" and SAS brake added):
Resting on McM HTG with Rem Varmint barrel contour (LTR, SPS Tac, etc contour):
The barrel actually ends up pretty thin at the end, .750" for the last three inches I believe. The taper is straight though and fairly heavy, requiring some inletting on common Rem varmint contour stocks.
So it's with a local 'smith right now getting installed. More to come with a range report which should tell if these are a good option or not. AAC won't say who the blanks come from so I'm interested to see how they shoot...
AAC Page
AAC 260 Barrel on Midway
PDF Install Instructions
Some miscellaneous quotes from rsilvers regarding the barrels (from SilencerTalk):
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rsilvers (source = SilencerTalk)</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
It is actually a straight taper and very rigid. The weight is where it matters, near the back. We did finite element analysis. The last 3 inches are not tapered so you can use an over the barrel can.
I consider these premium barrels. They are made to AAC engineering drawings on CNC equipment which is why the price is not high considering their features (I paid $796 for an AI barrel with a thread protector). They benefit from us having access to Remington drawings for fit but the chambers do not use Remington reamers. They also benefit from our knowledge to hold threads concentric to the bore, and the drawing requires it.
Bolt guns barrels are 4140, AR barrels are 4150.
Because you are asking - that makes me think I need to clarify - CM is better for barrels which are nitrided. Stainless is only barrel for raw barrels.
The medium barrel is heavier than an OEM varmint contour near the action (but makes up for it later on with the taper), and so unless you get an M24 type stock, you can expect to need some inletting.
</div></div>
Another quote from here on SH regarding throat length:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rsilvers</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
If you load a Sierra 142 or Lapua 139, they won't touch the lands if loaded to SAAMI OAL. But yes, if you want to load beyond SAAMI length (but less than full mag length), you can touch the lands. Pressure goes up when you touch lands though.
</div></div>
All that said, it seemed like an intriguing option to me, and an easy way to spruce up my LTR. Here are some pics as the barrel came from Midway:
Side by side with factory LTR barrel (which was cut to 18.5" and SAS brake added):
Resting on McM HTG with Rem Varmint barrel contour (LTR, SPS Tac, etc contour):
The barrel actually ends up pretty thin at the end, .750" for the last three inches I believe. The taper is straight though and fairly heavy, requiring some inletting on common Rem varmint contour stocks.
So it's with a local 'smith right now getting installed. More to come with a range report which should tell if these are a good option or not. AAC won't say who the blanks come from so I'm interested to see how they shoot...
