How do you test a barrel?

[Jackomason]

I have a lonely savage factory barrel I threw on a nice action, if i need to ill replace it but if it works then it works!

Im planning on ordering enough reloading components for the life of the barrel but id like to make sure its worth my time and money first. I want to have my mind made up on this barrel in 100 rounds, what would be the best way to learn as much as I can in that window?

Cold bore shift, Walking with heat, Accuracy?

 

[WeiserBucks]

If it has a cold bore shift, it's garbage. If it walks with anything less than excessive heat , it's garbage. If it's not accurate enough for your needs , it's garbage.

 

[Rillhurst]

But learning all that inside of 100 rds sure take the fun out of getting to know a new barrel.

 

[stello1001]

Shoot for groups and document all that you see, irregularities as well as regularities. I don't think it's any more complicated than that!

Edit:

I should add, try that with quality factory ammo first!

 

[Steel head]

Not sure on what it’s chambered in but if FGMM is available and doesn’t shoot I’d be leary.
I’ve seen a few factory savage barrels shoot amazing even with factory hunting ammo.

I’d find a load that works before stocking up for it.

 

[b6graham]

what barrel contour? what caliber?

cold bore shift is kinda gone. cold shooter.

walking happens more with carbon/light barrels

accuracy is hard to say because a lot of it is ammo related and finding a load. but any factory ammo should do 1/2 MOA pretty regularly

 

[Jackomason]

Its a 6.5 creed. I did shoot this barrel once with some norma ammo and it seemed promising but it was only one 5 shot string. Its origonally off my wifes 12 fv so its a pretty heavy varmint contour but she hasnt been able to shoot for a while. Id never buy a savage for myself but weve all heard the legends that savage fan boys tell. I am a bit leary but its the right price.

Ive never had a problem with cold bore but Ive never owned a savage. I agree that a quality barrel shouldnt show any of these signs but I've seen a video of savage "hand straightening" barrels. Can only imagine the stress that introduces.

Ill try to do a cold bore 5 shot group then heat it up good (15-20 rounds) and do another 5 on a separate target?

 

[Sutherlandsd]

For the 6.5 or 260 I go with old reliable 41.5gr h4350 with a Berger 140 hybrid. .020 off the lands. If the throat is so long I can't load it in a mag I don't even bother. 5 round group cold then let it cool completely then another 5 round group to account for screw ups or fouling followed by 10 group right after. All done over a Chrono so I can see if it's obnoxiously slow.. imo will let you have a pretty good idea what your dealing with and whether it's worth doing load development.

 

[ShtrRdy]

Buy a box of match grade ammo. Maybe a box of different bullet weights that usually work. If one of the match ammo choices don't shoot well then move on.

 

[Jackomason]

Yeah ive got some 140 eldm's and some h4350. I figure I can replicate factory pretty easy. Ill try this out and let everyone know how it goes.