What are some suggestions on the length of barrels? I have a 24" 1/8 , a 26" 1/8 and a 26" 1/8.5. Just to screw around some. How much differecne in a 30" 1/8.5 or 1/8 twist barrel?
Gunsmithing Barrel Lentgh on 260
- Thread starter dar1246
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Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
FWIW, I have a .260 built by Terry Cross. I figured I'd have it built with a 26" barrel, but when I called Terry I asked what length he'd recommend. He said 24", 1/8.5, so that's what I went with. I'm running 2935 fps with 130 Bergers and boron nitride. I'm no expert, but Terry definitely is, and that's what he said to run. And let me tell you, it's a shooter.
FWIW, I have a .260 built by Terry Cross. I figured I'd have it built with a 26" barrel, but when I called Terry I asked what length he'd recommend. He said 24", 1/8.5, so that's what I went with. I'm running 2935 fps with 130 Bergers and boron nitride. I'm no expert, but Terry definitely is, and that's what he said to run. And let me tell you, it's a shooter.
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
I'm running a 1-8 26" Bartlien on mine. 130 Bergers at 2,920 fps.
IMHO, a 1-8.5 @ 24" would be just as good, maybe slightly better.
I'm running a 1-8 26" Bartlien on mine. 130 Bergers at 2,920 fps.
IMHO, a 1-8.5 @ 24" would be just as good, maybe slightly better.
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
You will gain about 20 fps per inch of barrel. I have run the 130 VLD's at 3010 with 2 different powders out of my 28" Bartlien 1:8.5". The 28" is nice, but it is long. The 24" would be a good length, and allow you to set the barrel back a few times. I am thinking later on to try a 22" or 20" to have a handy rifle and not so heavy.
You will gain about 20 fps per inch of barrel. I have run the 130 VLD's at 3010 with 2 different powders out of my 28" Bartlien 1:8.5". The 28" is nice, but it is long. The 24" would be a good length, and allow you to set the barrel back a few times. I am thinking later on to try a 22" or 20" to have a handy rifle and not so heavy.
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Red_SC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">FWIW, I have a .260 built by Terry Cross. I figured I'd have it built with a 26" barrel, but when I called Terry I asked what length he'd recommend. He said 24", 1/8.5, so that's what I went with. </div></div>
Just to clarify: Jamies barrel was to be shipped suppressor ready. We discussed lengths and I suggested the 24" as a good compromise on velocity and still having a manageable length when the suppressor is on.
I get a lot of questions about this and generally recommend 26" for best efficiency and handling if you are not going to run a suppressor. All of the SENTINELs scheduled to run in .260 Rem are spec'd at 26".
Thanks for the confidence Jamie and congratulations on your shooting at ASC.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Red_SC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">FWIW, I have a .260 built by Terry Cross. I figured I'd have it built with a 26" barrel, but when I called Terry I asked what length he'd recommend. He said 24", 1/8.5, so that's what I went with. </div></div>
Just to clarify: Jamies barrel was to be shipped suppressor ready. We discussed lengths and I suggested the 24" as a good compromise on velocity and still having a manageable length when the suppressor is on.
I get a lot of questions about this and generally recommend 26" for best efficiency and handling if you are not going to run a suppressor. All of the SENTINELs scheduled to run in .260 Rem are spec'd at 26".
Thanks for the confidence Jamie and congratulations on your shooting at ASC.
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
This gun is not going to be a run with gun. I 4 260 rifles and want to experiment with a longer barrels and twist. With the 24" barrel and a suppressor. It will end up at 32". I would build a 20" barrel for that.
Has anybody done a 260 in a 30" 1/8 or 1/8.5?
This gun is not going to be a run with gun. I 4 260 rifles and want to experiment with a longer barrels and twist. With the 24" barrel and a suppressor. It will end up at 32". I would build a 20" barrel for that.
Has anybody done a 260 in a 30" 1/8 or 1/8.5?
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
Dar,
I've had several 30" barrels on various builds/calibers and would only do it again on a dedicated BR rifle. There is a point of diminishing returns and for the .260 I think 26" is as long as one needs and 24" is as short as I'd go.
Dar,
I've had several 30" barrels on various builds/calibers and would only do it again on a dedicated BR rifle. There is a point of diminishing returns and for the .260 I think 26" is as long as one needs and 24" is as short as I'd go.
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
Preston Pritchett built my scalpel in 6.5x47L finished at 26. I have since cut it to 22 and threaded for a silencer. I lost almost 100fps on my preferred round, a 139 silver scenar with 37grains of RL15. It had been leaving at 2730 and with the silencer now at 2650.
Preston Pritchett built my scalpel in 6.5x47L finished at 26. I have since cut it to 22 and threaded for a silencer. I lost almost 100fps on my preferred round, a 139 silver scenar with 37grains of RL15. It had been leaving at 2730 and with the silencer now at 2650.
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
Not a .260 but close, I have a 28" MTU profile 8 twist on my 6.5 Creedmoor and don't find it overly long. I wouldn't go any shorter than 26" to keep velocities up. For twist it depends on what bullets you plan on shooting. Going heavy in the 139-142 range then get an 8 to be safe and if looking lighter like a 120-130 then the 8.5 will be fine.
Not a .260 but close, I have a 28" MTU profile 8 twist on my 6.5 Creedmoor and don't find it overly long. I wouldn't go any shorter than 26" to keep velocities up. For twist it depends on what bullets you plan on shooting. Going heavy in the 139-142 range then get an 8 to be safe and if looking lighter like a 120-130 then the 8.5 will be fine.
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
I shoot 139s now is a 1/8 and 1/8.5 twist barrel. The 1/8.5 shoots a little faster. There is other things that could be the reason for that. I did use the same reamer for the 2 barrels. I plan on using the same reamer for this barrel. I think I will try a 30" tube. If it doesn't do much. I will cut the barrel.
Rob1 what kind of velocities are you getting with a 28" tube.
I shoot 139s now is a 1/8 and 1/8.5 twist barrel. The 1/8.5 shoots a little faster. There is other things that could be the reason for that. I did use the same reamer for the 2 barrels. I plan on using the same reamer for this barrel. I think I will try a 30" tube. If it doesn't do much. I will cut the barrel.
Rob1 what kind of velocities are you getting with a 28" tube.
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
Rob,
Have you or any other team member handloaded for the creedmore and if so were the velocities/accuracy comparable to the Hornady Match Ammo. I've found that for factory ammo, Hornady and FGMM are hard to beat.
Rob,
Have you or any other team member handloaded for the creedmore and if so were the velocities/accuracy comparable to the Hornady Match Ammo. I've found that for factory ammo, Hornady and FGMM are hard to beat.
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
I did a little handloading and easily got 2870fps from the 140 AMAX and H4350. Accuracy was excellent also. Probably could break 2900fps without a problem but I shoot the factory ammo anyways so no need to handload yet so I didn't keep up with it.
I did a little handloading and easily got 2870fps from the 140 AMAX and H4350. Accuracy was excellent also. Probably could break 2900fps without a problem but I shoot the factory ammo anyways so no need to handload yet so I didn't keep up with it.
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
The more I think about the creedmore, the more I like it. With factory ammo being produced for it, it's a win/win
The more I think about the creedmore, the more I like it. With factory ammo being produced for it, it's a win/win
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
I run the 142SMK at 2850FPS in an L-W 28" 1:8" barrel. That's not as fast as they can go, but I tame it down and use the additional length and tame load as a hedge against bore/throat deterioration.
My experience strongly suggests that Terry's got it nailed. 1:8.5" probably has some advantage over 1:8" at the longer distances.
I recently researched loads on the Ramshot site and got some interesting data. They are publishing min loads that run the 142SMK in a 24" 1:9" barrel as slow as 2350-ish fps. I would have to think that stability would be questionable, but there they are, published on the net. Personally, I'd be inclined to take them with a fairly large grain of salt, but...
Greg
I run the 142SMK at 2850FPS in an L-W 28" 1:8" barrel. That's not as fast as they can go, but I tame it down and use the additional length and tame load as a hedge against bore/throat deterioration.
My experience strongly suggests that Terry's got it nailed. 1:8.5" probably has some advantage over 1:8" at the longer distances.
I recently researched loads on the Ramshot site and got some interesting data. They are publishing min loads that run the 142SMK in a 24" 1:9" barrel as slow as 2350-ish fps. I would have to think that stability would be questionable, but there they are, published on the net. Personally, I'd be inclined to take them with a fairly large grain of salt, but...
Greg
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
2850 with 139s out of a 26" tube is what I'am getting now. I would like to get around 2950 out of the gun. I load them a little hotter. Not that concern with the barrel life.
2850 with 139s out of a 26" tube is what I'am getting now. I would like to get around 2950 out of the gun. I load them a little hotter. Not that concern with the barrel life.
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
I tried shooting 120 Nosler BT's out of the 28" 1:8" (probably somewhere around 3100-3200fps) barrel at 1000yd. I won't do it again. Drop was nearly double what the calc predicted, and the target showed strong evidence of yaw.
I tried shooting 120 Nosler BT's out of the 28" 1:8" (probably somewhere around 3100-3200fps) barrel at 1000yd. I won't do it again. Drop was nearly double what the calc predicted, and the target showed strong evidence of yaw.
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
I would like to stick to the heavier bullets. They performance in the wind conditions is better.
I would like to stick to the heavier bullets. They performance in the wind conditions is better.
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
is that same 26" optimum barrel length used in the .260 also good for the 6.5-08AI?
is that same 26" optimum barrel length used in the .260 also good for the 6.5-08AI?
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
If I were trying out a longer barrel, I would re-institute load development, and see how larger charges of slower powder worked with the longer tube, just as I'd try a faster powder with a shorter one. I think barrel length equates to transit/burn time, and has a direct bearing on optimal burn rates.
I use H4350 and the 142SMK in a 28" 1:8" barrel. Works well, clocks at 2800fps on a chrono of dubious accuracy. I just don't really know, drops are not as expected (somewhat more than calculated), and I can't really tell whether they are due to slower MV or induced yaw along the trajectory.
Meanwhile, I'm working on an ad-hoc alternate load for 200yd FV200 comp, based on the 95gr HDY V-Max. I'm using a near min (46.0gr) load of R/S Hunter, which is really a slower than optimal propellant. My objective is to find a node while keeping the bullet down around 3000fps. I tried the other end (48.8gr), and had a couple of bullets disappear at the very end of the last string when the barrel got really hot. I was dealing with a few problems (including near-terminal stupidity), so they could just as easily have completely missed the target at 200yd (8.5"x14" paper).
Anyway, I'm finding some considerably better accuracy at the 46.0gr level in testing. I missed Sunday's match due to some health matters, but am rarin' to go for the next match.
Greg
If I were trying out a longer barrel, I would re-institute load development, and see how larger charges of slower powder worked with the longer tube, just as I'd try a faster powder with a shorter one. I think barrel length equates to transit/burn time, and has a direct bearing on optimal burn rates.
I use H4350 and the 142SMK in a 28" 1:8" barrel. Works well, clocks at 2800fps on a chrono of dubious accuracy. I just don't really know, drops are not as expected (somewhat more than calculated), and I can't really tell whether they are due to slower MV or induced yaw along the trajectory.
Meanwhile, I'm working on an ad-hoc alternate load for 200yd FV200 comp, based on the 95gr HDY V-Max. I'm using a near min (46.0gr) load of R/S Hunter, which is really a slower than optimal propellant. My objective is to find a node while keeping the bullet down around 3000fps. I tried the other end (48.8gr), and had a couple of bullets disappear at the very end of the last string when the barrel got really hot. I was dealing with a few problems (including near-terminal stupidity), so they could just as easily have completely missed the target at 200yd (8.5"x14" paper).
Anyway, I'm finding some considerably better accuracy at the 46.0gr level in testing. I missed Sunday's match due to some health matters, but am rarin' to go for the next match.
Greg
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
Got my new 260 a couple of days ago. Built it with a 30" tube. Getting about 2950 out of the load with the 139 lapuas. This is about what I thought I was going to get. I have no pressure signs. The load is shooting in the 1s. Not bad
Got my new 260 a couple of days ago. Built it with a 30" tube. Getting about 2950 out of the load with the 139 lapuas. This is about what I thought I was going to get. I have no pressure signs. The load is shooting in the 1s. Not bad
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
Dar,
Not wanting to hijack, but it goes along with...What contour are you guys running to keep the weight managable? 24", 26"
With A5(sniperfill) or with AICS?
TIA
Dar,
Not wanting to hijack, but it goes along with...What contour are you guys running to keep the weight managable? 24", 26"
With A5(sniperfill) or with AICS?
TIA
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
Im running a 24" inch MTU contour Krieger. In an AICS chasis, with a Badger M2008 and its a heavy bitch.
Im running a 24" inch MTU contour Krieger. In an AICS chasis, with a Badger M2008 and its a heavy bitch.
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
Just for an idea of velocities on a shorter barrel I'm using 139 Scenars with H4350 in a 15" Lilya 1:8 3 groove barrel and getting 2575fps. Excellent accuracy to 900 yards. Haven't been able to shoot any further with it than that yet.
Topstrap
Just for an idea of velocities on a shorter barrel I'm using 139 Scenars with H4350 in a 15" Lilya 1:8 3 groove barrel and getting 2575fps. Excellent accuracy to 900 yards. Haven't been able to shoot any further with it than that yet.
Topstrap
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
I've got a 24" .308 MTU in an A5 w/a NXS and that's about as heavy as I want to go. A pound or two lighter would be ok. I think mine's about 17 or 17.5 lbs.
My wheels are turning for a another build in .260
I've got a 24" .308 MTU in an A5 w/a NXS and that's about as heavy as I want to go. A pound or two lighter would be ok. I think mine's about 17 or 17.5 lbs.
My wheels are turning for a another build in .260
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
my 260 has a 28in krieger 1-8.5 sendero contour in a std filled a3-5
i will get a weight later today, hoping for 13lbs or so all up
just got the gun, even with the long tube she balances about .5in in front of the recoil lug, going to mount up the pmII this afternoon, but she should balance just about perfect, have the adj comb and lop on a stock definately helps them balance out
my 260 has a 28in krieger 1-8.5 sendero contour in a std filled a3-5
i will get a weight later today, hoping for 13lbs or so all up
just got the gun, even with the long tube she balances about .5in in front of the recoil lug, going to mount up the pmII this afternoon, but she should balance just about perfect, have the adj comb and lop on a stock definately helps them balance out
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
Is 24-26 really where it's at then? I am moving from a 24" AR10 in 6.5 Creedmoor to a bolt gun in .260. With RL-17 powder I had no trouble getting 2815 out of the gas gun with 140s, and I figured that I'd be able to beat that out of a 22" bolt gun with a similar load.
Is 24-26 really where it's at then? I am moving from a 24" AR10 in 6.5 Creedmoor to a bolt gun in .260. With RL-17 powder I had no trouble getting 2815 out of the gas gun with 140s, and I figured that I'd be able to beat that out of a 22" bolt gun with a similar load.
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
Both my 24" 1:8" and 28" 1:8" were built with Savage Varmint taper. Both reached 1Kyd easily, and the 24" reached 1Km with V-V N550 and 139 Scenars, but I discontinued making ammo at that pressure level; hotter'n was wise.
My choice of barrel length is definitely colored by the fact that I am long and lanky; 6' 5 1/2" tall with a 16.5" LOP. At 200lb, if I hadn't acquired my paunch of recent years, I'd be on the slimmer side. So barrel length is less of an issue, with some tendency toward sedentary lifestyle, and some health issues all conspiring to make lightning quick ninja-like moves rather something of the past. My past, anyway...
Greg
Both my 24" 1:8" and 28" 1:8" were built with Savage Varmint taper. Both reached 1Kyd easily, and the 24" reached 1Km with V-V N550 and 139 Scenars, but I discontinued making ammo at that pressure level; hotter'n was wise.
My choice of barrel length is definitely colored by the fact that I am long and lanky; 6' 5 1/2" tall with a 16.5" LOP. At 200lb, if I hadn't acquired my paunch of recent years, I'd be on the slimmer side. So barrel length is less of an issue, with some tendency toward sedentary lifestyle, and some health issues all conspiring to make lightning quick ninja-like moves rather something of the past. My past, anyway...
Greg
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
What's the verdict on some sort of palma contour? Happy medium between Rem. Varmint and MTU? I don't have the resources to just slap another one on if it's feels too heavy or gives up too much recoil.
Does using a suppressor dictate contour? Forgive my ignorance, but is there a general rule for having enough end diameter for brand X mount and suppressor?
AI 2.0 will be here tomorrow, 22x NXS, NXS base, BO or NXS rings are here. Barrel will be next.
Still debating on SR 591 or trued 700. I've been collecting parts for this thing for a while and it's finally starting to come to a head.
Thanks for input.
Once again, sorry if I'm hijacking, I'll delete and move if necessary.
What's the verdict on some sort of palma contour? Happy medium between Rem. Varmint and MTU? I don't have the resources to just slap another one on if it's feels too heavy or gives up too much recoil.
Does using a suppressor dictate contour? Forgive my ignorance, but is there a general rule for having enough end diameter for brand X mount and suppressor?
AI 2.0 will be here tomorrow, 22x NXS, NXS base, BO or NXS rings are here. Barrel will be next.
Still debating on SR 591 or trued 700. I've been collecting parts for this thing for a while and it's finally starting to come to a head.
Thanks for input.
Once again, sorry if I'm hijacking, I'll delete and move if necessary.
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
Guys I have two 260s both with 27" tubes I have only shot one so far just got is shooting under 1/2 at 200 with 140g AMAX and 44.5g H4350 maybe I will run the chrono this weekend see what I have. I like long barrels Im not down with the short craze.
Jon
Guys I have two 260s both with 27" tubes I have only shot one so far just got is shooting under 1/2 at 200 with 140g AMAX and 44.5g H4350 maybe I will run the chrono this weekend see what I have. I like long barrels Im not down with the short craze.
Jon
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
260 Rem, 22" Douglas long chambered #3 taper 3 pound barrel
VZ24 stock with barrel channel milled out but no epoxy
Weaver #45 and #46 two piece steel scope mounts with Devcon Steel putty under the mounts and Loctite 242 on the threads. Burris Low tactical rings with 6 screws on the cap and a bolt on the Weaver rail.
IOR 2.5x10x42 scope with MP-8 1/2 mili rad reticule in first focal plane and moa turrets. Rubber tube extensions on both ends of the scope. Scope center is 1.9" above bore center.
I paid $115 for the barrel unused from some forum.
I paid $500 or $600 for the IOR scope here on Snipers Hide.
Someone on the internet sent me the VZ24 action [I would not engrave bolt knobs]
I had the military take off stock in a junk pile, and just cut some off the for end with a hack saw.
100 gr Hornady soft point flat base #2610 bullet moly coated, 45.0 gr canister IMR4895, 2.920" over all length, almost no insertion of the bullet into the neck, due to the short bullet and long throat.
Quickload prediction 59,342 psi 3,233 fps
Chronographs at 3,244 fps
It does not shoot well.
The factory blued the bore.
It Copper fouls too fast.
I have fired ~57 shots through the barrel.
Don't let them hot blue the bore.
I only have $115 into the rifle, but I have not given up yet.
Just a few more shots and it will broken in, and not Copper foul.
That's what I tell myself.
260 Rem, 22" Douglas long chambered #3 taper 3 pound barrel
VZ24 stock with barrel channel milled out but no epoxy
Weaver #45 and #46 two piece steel scope mounts with Devcon Steel putty under the mounts and Loctite 242 on the threads. Burris Low tactical rings with 6 screws on the cap and a bolt on the Weaver rail.
IOR 2.5x10x42 scope with MP-8 1/2 mili rad reticule in first focal plane and moa turrets. Rubber tube extensions on both ends of the scope. Scope center is 1.9" above bore center.
I paid $115 for the barrel unused from some forum.
I paid $500 or $600 for the IOR scope here on Snipers Hide.
Someone on the internet sent me the VZ24 action [I would not engrave bolt knobs]
I had the military take off stock in a junk pile, and just cut some off the for end with a hack saw.
100 gr Hornady soft point flat base #2610 bullet moly coated, 45.0 gr canister IMR4895, 2.920" over all length, almost no insertion of the bullet into the neck, due to the short bullet and long throat.
Quickload prediction 59,342 psi 3,233 fps
Chronographs at 3,244 fps
It does not shoot well.
The factory blued the bore.
It Copper fouls too fast.
I have fired ~57 shots through the barrel.
Don't let them hot blue the bore.
I only have $115 into the rifle, but I have not given up yet.
Just a few more shots and it will broken in, and not Copper foul.
That's what I tell myself.
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
...how do you feel aboot the 181/2 inch barrel on the build riffle in 6.5...???...
...hoiw do the losses compare to the .308 at that leanght...???...
...will you be doing any load development for the 6.5 creedmore @ the 09 SH build rifle...???...
...how do you feel aboot the 181/2 inch barrel on the build riffle in 6.5...???...
...hoiw do the losses compare to the .308 at that leanght...???...
...will you be doing any load development for the 6.5 creedmore @ the 09 SH build rifle...???...
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
I went with a 26", 7.7 Broughton 5C with a 1:8 twist on my .260. "Truck Axle" comes to mind when you pick it up.
I went with a 26", 7.7 Broughton 5C with a 1:8 twist on my .260. "Truck Axle" comes to mind when you pick it up.
Re: Barrel Lentgh on 260
Im running a Krieger 4 groove MTU Contour finished at 24" and getting about 2800 fps with 140 Amax and H4831SC
Im running a Krieger 4 groove MTU Contour finished at 24" and getting about 2800 fps with 140 Amax and H4831SC
