Gunsmithing Ideas for barrel in 6.5 PRC

[Millsworks]

I am contemplating a rifle build in the spring.
I have decided I would like a 6.5 PRC but I want a good mountain rifle, not a comp rig.
I would appreciate any recommendations for a company that can provide a barrel that gives good accuracy at a decent price.
This will likely be for a 700 action.
But I as of yet don't have a donner rifle to scavenge from.
Personal experiences with barrel manufacturers any of you have had good results with?

 

[sodakhunter]

Interested. I’ll be following this as well.

 

[DangerRanger]

My proof 6.5 prc shot well

 

[kingston]

For a mountain rifle, Proof CF Light Sendero Contour.

 

[Millsworks]

I am wanting a mountain rifle, but I don't think I am going to get too crazy about it's weight.
I am leaning towards a #5 contour, possibly. Definitely going with 24" length.
1-7 twist? I plan to hopefully get ideas from several people about that.
I want to run 140-160gr pills.
Thanks guys for your input.
Thinking maybe about a used 700 in .300 win mag as a good foundation.
The small amount of extra weight on a long action verses the short isn't a worry for me.
My current rifle that I hunt out west with is 16 pounds.
That makes an eight pound gun look like a feather.
I don't want to use a break if I can get it to allow me to see hits.
A little weight is probably good for that.
I think I can save weight in the stock primarily.
No detachable mag.
Hinged bottom metal.
Simple synthetic stock that has good flat rigid fore arm.
I do occasionally make wooden stocks for rifles, and I considered doing that, as I love a beautiful walnut stock with a little carving.
But I won't like it getting dinged up. Shooting prone over jagged rocks keeps popping into mind.
Would like to keep barrel price below $450-500 .
Probably stainless , bead blasted matte finish.

 

[ackleyfan]

Bartlien 2b @ 24"

 

[ackleyfan]

#5 contour is way to big to be packing in the Mts and definitely not needed for accuracy!

Trust me on a 2b!

 

[Millsworks]

The contour I am posting may not be exactly what I was thinking. I will have to check with whom ever I purchase from.
Different makers have thief own size specs I'm sure. But I am probably wrong in the number contour I posted.

 

[Millsworks]

Has anyone used Douglas barrels?
They are 4-5 HR drive from me, I think.
I am waiting for several estimates by email.

 

[Millsworks]

#5 contour is way to big to be packing in the Mts and definitely not needed for accuracy!

Trust me on a 2b!

The #3 heavy Sporter contour from that barrel maker is more what I am leaning towards.
I will undoubtedly be running it at the range for long sessions and don't want it over heating too quickly.
I am waiting for a quote from them as we speak.

 

[Shadow knows]

I have a proof CF in 6.5 PRC, shoots 1 hole on my reloads. Always happy with my proofs and bartleins

 

[FCrifles]

Benchmark will do just about any contour also. With that being said, i too am extremely happy with my proof carbons and steel tubes.

 

[BillyGoatMachine]

I've built 2 6.5 PRC's on Bartlein #3's. I love the 2B's for the non magnum hunting rigs but a little more meat for the short mags. One customer reported back that he could cover his groups with a dime @300y. I think both rifles were in the 8-9lb range minus optics. I test fired one sans muzzle brake and the recoil was very manageable with a 1" pad on a Manners stock.

 

[padom]

Keystone Accuracy button barrel. Sub $500, extremely accurate and contoured to whatever profile you want. Bartlein/Kreiger, etc if you want to go cut rifled

 

[Millsworks]

Thanks for all the input, guys.
I did get an email from Bartlein, and unfortunately they do not sell pre threaded and short chambered barrels for the 700.
I will be doing the barrel swap myself and do not own a lathe.
So it will need to be a short chamber and hand finished with a reamer or a barrel equiped with a nut.
Proof research barrels are a good bit more expensive than I want to spend.
I'm trying to keep the project under $1,200 without optics.

 

[Millsworks]

Just got off the phone with Douglas barrels.
They do offer pre threaded and chambered rifle barrels.
But I was quoted $510.00 for a #3 contour chrome moly installed on my action and delivered to my door.
$580.00 for bead blasted stainless barrel.
That's sounding like a good price to me. Even though I would have liked to do the barrel install myself, I think I may go with the maker doing it.
I like that I can drive there to drop off my action and physically look at what I am getting and then make a decision on the contour.

Now I would love to hear from a Douglas barrel owner.