Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

Papagallos

Papagallos

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 5, 2009
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South Texas, United States
#1
I was bored and I figured I'd spend money on a barrel blank for a future 6.5 build. So, I ordered the following barrel:

<span style="color: #FF0000">264 CAL SS 5R 1-8.5" #17 HEAVY VARMINT 28"
Krieger Barrels / 264 Caliber


Material: Stainless Steel
Contour No.: 17
Contour Type: MTU
Breech Diameter: 1.25
Breech Length: 5
Blank Length: 29
Muzzle Diameter: .9
Finish Length: 28
Bore: .256
Groove: .264
Twist: 8.5
No. of Grooves: 5</span>

Now here comes the part where I ask <span style="text-decoration: underline">you </span>to build my build for me. If you had this barrel in hand and wanted a 6.5 build to use strictly for punching paper and slamming steel out to 1K and less, what caliber would you select? 260? 6.5 Creedmoor? etc? Money is not a limiting factor in selecting the perfect components to complete the build.

Thanks.
 
#4
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

6.5x47 or .260. As stated for the lapua brass. The 6.5 Creedmoor is a pretty good round too. I just saw one of these beat my 7mm-08 by over 6moa out to 1000 yds. With the 6.5x47 you could reduce the loads a little and still get to 1k with room to spare over some other rounds.
 
#5
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Papagallos</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you had this barrel in hand and wanted a 6.5 build to use strictly for punching paper and slamming steel out to 1K and less, what caliber would you select?</div></div>
I'd go with the good old 6.5x55.
 
#6
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

The 6.5x47L and 6.5 Creedmore have both earned a place and an outstanding cartrige, but, unless you specifically intended to hand load for this rifle you should figure its availibility. So far they both seem to be a popular, yet still, wildcat cartrige. I know that ammo is available in factory form, but neither one has been picked up as a standard caliber. Even if you do reload, I hear that the brass for the CM is hard to find, and the Lapua tends to be primer sensitive.

Until these particular rounds become more popular, I would stick with a .260. Hell, get it done in .260AI. I hear that is a real winner. No sense in getting a firearm and then having to deal with finding ammo.
 
#7
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

Build a 6.5x47 or the creed. I hate how the bullet sets in the case of a 260. The long bullets take up A LOT of boiler room. The x47 and creed have a shorter and fatter case which makes much better use of the short action mag length.
 
#9
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: desertrat1979</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 6.5x47L and 6.5 Creedmore have both earned a place and an outstanding cartrige, but, unless you specifically intended to hand load for this rifle you should figure its availibility. So far they both seem to be a popular, yet still, wildcat cartrige. I know that ammo is available in factory form, but neither one has been picked up as a standard caliber. Even if you do reload, I hear that the brass for the CM is hard to find, and the Lapua tends to be primer sensitive.

Until these particular rounds become more popular, I would stick with a .260. Hell, get it done in .260AI. I hear that is a real winner. No sense in getting a firearm and then having to deal with finding ammo.
</div></div>

You gotta handload. No one makes a good target grade .260 ammo either.

Edit:

There is also the possibility of getting one of the custom ammomakers on here.
 
#10
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Papagallos</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I If you had this barrel in hand and wanted a 6.5 build to use strictly for punching paper and slamming steel out to 1K and less, what caliber would you select? </div></div>

You're going to get three to four different answers, maybe five;

1. 260
2. 6.5CM
3. 6.5x47L
4. 6.5x55
5.260 Super LR or 6.5 Super LR (wild cat with case forming)

All are great cartridges but one is a LA for sure. Is your receiver a LA or SA? That being said, I've built the first four and and own two 260's. All four flat out shot and made it to a 1k with easy. I've built 6.5x47L's that made it to 1,200 yards ease, with 123's at that and with very good accuracy. I've shot with guys to 1K, them with a 6.5CM and me with a 260, they gave up nothing and hammered steel with ease.

For me, brass is always a major consideration when talking extreme accuracy. Nosler has been stellar in the 260 and now Lapua is on scene. The 6.5x47L has always had great brass as has the 6.5x55 Swede and 6.5 SLR. That’s four with Lapua Brass, win/win. It really boils down to the cartridge that gives you that warm and fuzzy at the end of the day. All are so good I say build one of each.
wink.gif
 
#12
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
You gotta handload. No one makes a good target grade .260 ammo either.

Edit:

There is also the possibility of getting one of the custom ammomakers on here. </div></div>

Southwest has .260 as a regular stocking item, and Black Hills also has a load (Triad Tactical stocks it)...
 
#14
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: paulyosh</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
You gotta handload. No one makes a good target grade .260 ammo either.

Edit:

There is also the possibility of getting one of the custom ammomakers on here. </div></div>

Southwest has .260 as a regular stocking item, and Black Hills also has a load (Triad Tactical stocks it)...
</div></div>

And if you go into any regular store that carries ammunition they are going to have it? No. It's a great round, and I'd like to see a lot more of it around. But, without ordering it, you're going to need to handload for it if you want it at a moments notice or on the road when you are shooting a match.

Edit:

Meaning, any of the 6.5 cartridges mentioned are better IMO than the .308. But the .223, .308, and 30-06 are the only rounds you are going to find 'match' ammo in a regular gun store that carries a lot of ammo. IMO you gotta reload to get what you want. Also, to me, it's cost prohibitive to pay $1.75 each round for match ammo. Not when I can build better for around $.50
 
#15
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the input. Currently GAP is finishing my Surgeon 591 SA .243 build. Considering that it is almost done, maybe I should have them chamber the barrel for me in one of the suggested calibers and employ it as a switch barrel? However, the McMillan A-5 has been inletted to accept Bartlein's MTU barrel and not Krieger's #17 HV, which has a longer breech. Nothing that a little additional inletting can't take care of, right?

I own a Dillon 550B, so reloading for a .260 or 6.5x47L would not be an issue. In fact, load development for a given caliber is something that I enjoy doing. Despite my reloading hobby, the 6.5 Creedmoor appeals to me as well since I've read a lot about shooters having great success with Hornady's factory ammo. You can't beat that at all.

I need to sit down and calculate costs for each of the calibers. I'll see what I decide on.

Thanks for the suggestions. Cheers!!!!
grin.gif
 
#16
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

Another update if interested:

Hunting shack (HSM) has 142 gr. SMK's for sale through Sniper Central. That's the only place you can order it. I did not look to see a price.

In looking through their price list, I did find several match grade loads in different calibers that I felt, were better deals than what you would find at other ammunition wholesalers. The only issue was to get the much better price you either had to buy 500 or 1000 rounds. Which if you are going to do some serious competition is about the best way to go, unless you like spending all your spare time reloading.

Edit:

Prices seemed decent there too. $27 and $30 for 142 SMK and 123 Lap. $1200 for 1k rounds (142's) and $1300 for 1k 123 Lap. rounds.
 
#18
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

Based on my experience with the .260, I've come to appreciate a little more zip. I'd suggest the 6.5x55 for the greater simplicity. It's the best established, and best understood chambering of those in play here.

Yes, it can require a long action, but I'm not deterred by that. I am also not deterred about using it in a short action; but then I have very little personal inclination to take full advantage of a repeater action. Maybe I'm a little strange that way...

Greg
 
#19
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

I tell you what, you have it shipped to me, I'll surprise you with what you'll be getting(or what you would have got), after several hundreds of rounds of 'testing' and having it set back a couple of times, tell you, how well it did, or did not do. Thereby saving YOU the aggravation and worrying of did I make the right choice.
 
#22
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

Was in the same boat; chose .260 Remington. Now that Lapua makes brass, it's even more better.....

Shot 8Xs (a personal record) on the last mid range F-class using Black Hills factory ammunition. Yes, their not going to stock it at the Ma & Pa gunshop, but most don't have the Creedmore or 6.5x47L either. UPS delivers to the door.

Now that Laupa brand .260 Remington is available, I am set for the life of the barrel. Don't know the availability of the 6.5x47L brass, but I can tell you that Creedmoor (brass and loaded match ammunition) was very hard to find (non-existent) over the summer.

Good luck

Jerry
 
#23
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: desertrat1979</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 6.5x47L and 6.5 Creedmore have both earned a place and an outstanding cartrige, but, unless you specifically intended to hand load for this rifle you should figure its availibility. So far they both seem to be a popular, yet still, wildcat cartrige. I know that ammo is available in factory form, but neither one has been picked up as a standard caliber. Even if you do reload, I hear that the brass for the CM is hard to find, and the Lapua tends to be primer sensitive.

Until these particular rounds become more popular, I would stick with a .260. Hell, get it done in .260AI. I hear that is a real winner. No sense in getting a firearm and then having to deal with finding ammo.
</div></div>

You gotta handload. No one makes a good target grade .260 ammo either.

Edit:

There is also the possibility of getting one of the custom ammomakers on here. </div></div>

Lapua offers loaded 6.5x47
Southwest and Black Hills offers some excellent 260
 
#25
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

Actually, if you look at the ballistics for those 3 ( 260, 6.5x47L,6.5 Creed) I wouldn't want to live on the differences between them.Of those calibers you'll get as many opinions as people you ask, and they will all do essentially the same thing.If you want more horsepower, by all means do a 6.5x284 just don't cry about barrel life.More even? Try a 264 win mag, but order the new barrel now.
 
#26
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: paulyosh</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
You gotta handload. No one makes a good target grade .260 ammo either.

Edit:

There is also the possibility of getting one of the custom ammomakers on here. </div></div>

Southwest has .260 as a regular stocking item, and Black Hills also has a load (Triad Tactical stocks it)...
</div></div>

And if you go into any regular store that carries ammunition they are going to have it? No. It's a great round, and I'd like to see a lot more of it around. But, without ordering it, you're going to need to handload for it if you want it at a moments notice or on the road when you are shooting a match.

Edit:

Meaning, any of the 6.5 cartridges mentioned are better IMO than the .308. But the .223, .308, and 30-06 are the only rounds you are going to find 'match' ammo in a regular gun store that carries a lot of ammo. IMO you gotta reload to get what you want. Also, to me, it's cost prohibitive to pay $1.75 each round for match ammo. Not when I can build better for around $.50</div></div> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KYS338</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: desertrat1979</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 6.5x47L and 6.5 Creedmore have both earned a place and an outstanding cartrige, but, unless you specifically intended to hand load for this rifle you should figure its availibility. So far they both seem to be a popular, yet still, wildcat cartrige. I know that ammo is available in factory form, but neither one has been picked up as a standard caliber. Even if you do reload, I hear that the brass for the CM is hard to find, and the Lapua tends to be primer sensitive.

Until these particular rounds become more popular, I would stick with a .260. Hell, get it done in .260AI. I hear that is a real winner. No sense in getting a firearm and then having to deal with finding ammo.
</div></div>

You gotta handload. No one makes a good target grade .260 ammo either.

Edit:

There is also the possibility of getting one of the custom ammomakers on here. </div></div>

Lapua offers loaded 6.5x47
Southwest and Black Hills offers some excellent 260 </div></div>


Again....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: paulyosh</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
You gotta handload. No one makes a good target grade .260 ammo either.

Edit:

There is also the possibility of getting one of the custom ammomakers on here. </div></div>

Southwest has .260 as a regular stocking item, and Black Hills also has a load (Triad Tactical stocks it)...
</div></div>

<span style="font-weight: bold">And if you go into any regular store that carries ammunition they are going to have it? No. It's a great round, and I'd like to see a lot more of it around. But, without ordering it, you're going to need to handload for it if you want it at a moments notice or on the road when you are shooting a match.

Edit:

Meaning, any of the 6.5 cartridges mentioned are better IMO than the .308. But the .223, .308, and 30-06 are the only rounds you are going to find 'match' ammo in a regular gun store that carries a lot of ammo. IMO you gotta reload to get what you want. Also, to me, it's cost prohibitive to pay $1.75 each round for match ammo. Not when I can build better for around $.50</span></div></div>

That would apply to the 6.5x47 as well. Great round, but, you ain't gonna find it just 'anywhere'. And, not it isn't going to be cheap.
 
#27
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

6.5 Creedmoor has a steeper shoulder angle and longer neck, and I'd go that route. Also, an MTU taper at 26" will be a heavy barrel - you might consider having it tapered to a medium palma or some such thing as well.

Have fun shooting,

John
 
#29
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

All this arguing about ammo availibility made me look into who makes what.

.260 remington: Remington, CorBon, Federal, HSM, and Black Hills all make some creation of this one.

6.5x47L: Lapua......only Lapua.

6.5 Creedmore: Hornady....only Hornady

Regardless of which one you pick, yes, reloading is your best choice, but if you picked the .260rem, reloading is not your ONLY choice. Most of the major ammo makers have a few diffrent variations of this chambering. One of the issues I heard from a lot of reloaders, especially in the last 2 years, was a lack of reloading components for the 6.5x47 and the Creedmore. Namely the brass. With the .260, even if virgin brass is not available, you can pick up available hunting loads and use 1x fired brass. Its even better if you are using an AI chambering.

As far as "walking in to the store" and purchasing a match load...I can't remember the last time I went to a Walmart, Bass Pro, "Ma and Pa's Guns n ammo"...ect, and found commonly chambered match ammo sitting on the shelf. Most common ammo you find is hunting ammo or FMJ target stuff. Nothing would make me happier than to walk in and see shelves full of 30-06 ammo that doesnt consist of pointed-soft point ammo, or FMJ in a Spam can. But when it comes down to it, you wither work with whats available, or you play the waiting game for vendors to have what you want.
 
#31
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: desertrat1979</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All this arguing about ammo availibility made me look into who makes what.

.260 remington: Remington, CorBon, Federal, HSM, and Black Hills all make some creation of this one.

6.5x47L: Lapua......only Lapua.

6.5 Creedmore: Hornady....only Hornady

Regardless of which one you pick, yes, reloading is your best choice, but if you picked the .260rem, reloading is not your ONLY choice. Most of the major ammo makers have a few diffrent variations of this chambering. One of the issues I heard from a lot of reloaders, especially in the last 2 years, was a lack of reloading components for the 6.5x47 and the Creedmore. Namely the brass. With the .260, even if virgin brass is not available, you can pick up available hunting loads and use 1x fired brass. Its even better if you are using an AI chambering.

As far as "walking in to the store" and purchasing a match load...I can't remember the last time I went to a Walmart, Bass Pro, "Ma and Pa's Guns n ammo"...ect, and found commonly chambered match ammo sitting on the shelf. Most common ammo you find is hunting ammo or FMJ target stuff. Nothing would make me happier than to walk in and see shelves full of 30-06 ammo that doesnt consist of pointed-soft point ammo, or FMJ in a Spam can. But when it comes down to it, you wither work with whats available, or you play the waiting game for vendors to have what you want. </div></div>

I have yet to see .260 'Match' ammo in a sporting goods store around here. We have Gander Mountain (Brainless) Cabelas (usually have a lot) and we used to have Sportsmans Warehouse (had a lot until the end). Of those major brand name stores I never found match .260. I have seen it for sale online. I did find match .223, .308, 6.5-.284 and match 30-06 in a store.

My point being is any of the rounds loaded are going to cost you about $1.50-$2.00 each.
You can easily reload for half of that and get the round tailored to your rifle....in any of the three cartridges.

Is the .260 going to be more common, yes it certainly is. Would that make it a better round to reload? Not based on general brass availability, but yes, based on good brass availability. Would that make it a better round just because you can find rounds for it in the store? Not really, it doesn't serve a whole lot of purpose to go out there with hunting rounds and try to beat some serious competition with it.

In summary, I would take any of the three rounds. They shine as far as ballistics go. But, I just don't see anyone going over the top enough on any of them to warrant buying one over another. It really boils down to personal preference.
 
#32
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Papagallos</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was bored and I figured I'd spend money on a barrel blank for a future 6.5 build. So, I ordered the following barrel:

[color:#FF0000]264 CAL SS 5R 1-8.5" #17 HEAVY VARMINT 28"
Krieger Barrels / 264 Caliber


Now here comes the part where I ask <span style="text-decoration: underline">you </span>to build my build for me. If you had this barrel in hand and wanted a 6.5 build to use strictly for punching paper and slamming steel out to 1K and less, what caliber would you select? 260? 6.5 Creedmoor? etc? Money is not a limiting factor in selecting the perfect components to complete the build.

Thanks. </div></div>

8.5 twist...I'd say 6.5x47L throated for the 130 berger VLD's as first choice, or 123 Scenars as second choice.

(If it was an 8 twist, I'd say .260 throated for 130's or 140's.)

Then I'd screw that Krieger onto a Bighorn action, and drop it into a Manners TA stock with a Seekins DBM assembly.
 
#34
Re: Bought a Barrel Blank. Now What?

Thanks. I sold the barrel today. I forgot that I had a custom bbq pit in the works and the builder adviced me, out of the blue, that it was ready. I felt like a huge idiot.
grin.gif


But I'll buy another one within a month.
smile.gif
 
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