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Gunsmithing Shilen Ratchet Barrels

tunacan

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 28, 2009
188
0
47
Utah, SLC
Does anyone have any experience with Shilens Ratchet barrels? Good, bad, mediocre?
I am thinking about ordering one in a .224 1-8" twist for a 22-243 build that I am working on.
 
Re: Shilen Ratchet Barrels

I have an unlapped 6mm in 1:8tw that shoots 3/8" 5 shot groups at 100y with relative repeatability. Out of 20 rounds, my groups usually range from .375-.5"

This is with a 6mm-223 on an untouched Savage model 12 action.
 
Re: Shilen Ratchet Barrels

My current 308 is a rem 700 with shilen select match 1-12 twist. shoots 168 hpbt under 0.3 all day. Highly recomend the extra cash for the select match.
 
Re: Shilen Ratchet Barrels

Did a side by side with two 1:8 twist 22-250's, one using the ratchet, the other a normal rifling profile.
Couldn't tell a difference in velocity or accuracy up close, but at 700 to 1000 yards the ratchet seemed to take about 1/2 moa less windage correction, and that was pretty consistant over the life of both barrels.
 
Re: Shilen Ratchet Barrels

Never used the Ratchet barrel so I cant say.

The selct match is definitely an excellent barrel. I have several in 308 and 6.5 and have never had one that would not hold under .250 groups in any of the configurations with quality handloads.

I also have used several of the "non lapped" Chrome Moly's in 308 and 6.5. They have proven to be just as accurate as the Select match SS but do foul a little more in the first 100 rounds or so...which is to be expected.

My best shooting 308 ( accuracy wise ) was built with a CM shilen...dont hesitate if that is what you are looking for.