New build for 2020

[Magnum_Willys]

You aren’t talking a proof blank are you?  Because Stocky’y and Redhawk have 6.5’s in stock in a variety of configurations same day shipping. 

https://www.stockysstocks.com/proof-research-carbon-fiber-barrels.html

I would cancel and order another and have it shipped to High Speed Shooting in Yakima and your barrel is probably done in less than 3 weeks. 

[Mulie87]

Yep, I sure am. copy that.

[Threewolves]

Good choice on the 6.5 PRC. I thought I would just thoughts and info.

I picked up a 6.5 CM 2 years a go in a Kimber mountain ascent  something like 4.8 lbs. With the scope I have on it the wt is 6.6 lbs. (end of the CM craze, I did not get sucked in by the hype. I just picked this rifle up and it about floated out of my hand). I thought my rem 700 25.06 was light, weighted it and scoped it was around 9.6. So, my 300 wm was way heavier than I thought. Anyway, is kind of strange shooting a super light rifle. It just does not have the kind of heft you are used to, but it does shoot and it is super nice to shoot. At 64 years old it is a dream to carry so I was looking to the future with this one.

So, don't you know the 6.5 PRC comes out a buddy down in AZ picked up a Christensen Arms carbon in 6.5 prc 6.6 lbs for less than the 1,999.00 MSRP.

I am ok with the CM, but the PRC is 200 fps faster. I know some old elephant hunter killed a couple of tons (pun) of elephant with a 6.5 but I was thinking about taking my 25 to kill elk in MT and my wife reminded me of griz. Yep, if you are heading into griz territory... I took my 300 WM. Oh, other than real griz places. A buddys daughter took a cow moose and a big bull moose with her 260, (I know you know, 308 necked down to 6.5)

I tried the barrel break in, what a waste of time, everything is under an inch and usually around 3/4 at 100. My buddy says he is getting under 3/4 at 200 yards, but he has always be that kind of shooter. He was shooting a 6.5/284, he likes the PRC better because the other weighs almost 10 pounds. So, are we hunting or shooting? 
 

[Mulie87]

Thanks for the writeup and info. Ya, id take a .300win into bear country also.

[NWShooter]

Proof sucks! Bartlein rocks. Contours matter and twist rates are absolute. Think freebore and magazine length before prior mentioned. It all comes into play, if you really want to play.

[Mulie87]

Thats like saying Fords suck, Dodge rocks. It’s preference.

[Karl Blanchard]

Thats like saying Fords suck, Dodge rocks. It’s preference.

yes and no. Proof has had a lot of quality control issues to the point that some builders won't even use them. Call Defensive Edge and ask about doing a build with a proof. He'll stop you mid sentence. I recently did load development on a 300 rum with a carbon proof built by a VERY reputable builder.  It was a frustrating process to say the least. I got it to shoot ok but not even close to what I would expect out of a custom rifle. 

[Magnum_Willys]

I’m hoping I get a good one - have a 30 incher in the works.  A lot of proofs being used in competition but not carbon wrapped.   Now Bartlein has jumped into the carbon game.    Hmmm. 

[Karl Blanchard]

I’m hoping I get a good one - have a 30 incher in the works.  A lot of proofs being used in competition but not carbon wrapped.   Now Bartlein has jumped into the carbon game.    Hmmm.

yeah hope you do too. I think stiffness had a lot to do with it. They run a really thin barrel blank and I think it's hard to tame that whip on a big magnum? I just know that's how this particular one acted for me. When I would slow it way down (win mag speeds) it would shoot ok. As soon as I'd try to step on the gas it would get wild. I tried N570, h1000, retumbo, and IMR8133, 230 hybrids, 215 hybrids, and 212 eldx.  It didnt love a combination of any of those. Ended up with n570 and 230's at 2960 and an es of 11. It also went wild when I'd try and shoot it with the magneto on it. Could have been just a bad barrel. It for sure happens but like I said before, DE won't use them, and other reputable guys are going away from them or having to send back barrels.

@hogslayer has had experience with some of this as well. I think he even cut one of his proof barrels in half to inspect it 

[jasnt]

I too have heard some bad stories about proof barrels.   I’ll stick to what’s worked very well for me.
That said I’ve heard some bad reviews for McGowen and criterion and both those have been great for me. 

[Magnum_Willys]

Had a 28” HCA on it so be a good test.  I know what it should do.   Be unscrewing it and send back if it won’t shoot.    Should know in a couple weeks.  HCA didn’t have a 30”. 

[Karl Blanchard]

Had a 28” HCA on it so be a good test.  I know what it should do.   Be unscrewing it and send back if it won’t shoot.    Should know in a couple weeks.  HCA didn’t have a 30”.

I think he can now get them? I pretty positive JonathanS is doing a 30" .338 terminator LRKM with one of his barrels?

[Karl Blanchard]

Any product out there is gonna have culls of some sort. Machines screw up and human error is always a factor. Luckily this is the greatest time in human history if you are a shooter. Endless options to do whatever you want. Just be smart. Proof is the biggest name in barrels right now but it's because they have bought and paid for it.

[Magnum_Willys]

I’ll have to chk with Mike for latest update, last he told me was not yet but its been awhile. 

[Karl Blanchard]

I’ll have to chk with Mike for latest update, last he told me was not yet but its been awhile.

I know he has been working with benchmark to expand on blanks. I think the 30"ers are a one off type deal still. I could also be completely wrong also