Barrels

[fishnate]

Wanting to put a new barrel on my 7mm WSM, was wondering what to go with Douglas, Shilen, Lilja, any other suggestions and why.

[yorketransport]

You might also look at PacNor and Benchmark. I have a PacNor 300wsm that shoots great, and cleans so well that I've never had to use a bore brush in it. I'm having a Benchmark barrel made right now. This one is a 338/375 Ruger barrel for my Savage Striker. Everyone I've talked to who has a Benchmark barrel is absolutely crazy about their barrel. I don't have any personal experience with their products yet, but my barrel should be done next week and I'll be sure to post some results. Plus, they have a fast turnaround time (an honest 6-8 weeks) and they're local, up in Arlington.

Of course, I don't think that you can go wrong with any of the big name barrel companies. They all make great products.

Andrew

[JackOfAllTrades]

I guess I'd first ask, why are you changing the barrel? Already shot out the factory barrel? Not accurate enough for you? Thinking about a different chambering?

-Steve

[fishnate]

I am wanting a longer barrel to help improve accurcy.

[yorketransport]

I didn't think to as initially, but what model is the rifle you want to rebarrel?

Andrew

[JackOfAllTrades]

A longer barrel does not necessarily mean more accuracy. Lets here what you've got, what sort of accuracy you're getting now, with what ammunition you're shooting and what your expectations really are. And yes, what action, what current barrel, what trigger, what stock, and whether it's glass/pillar bedded.

-Steve

[MtnMuley]

A longer barrel does not necessarily mean more accuracy.

-Steve

 

[G.R.K]

I'd go with a 30" barrel,should dial it right in. 

[FALFire]

I'd go with a 30" barrel,should dial it right in. 

LOL........Ha, ha you know a 40"r will get'cha closer to the target so you can hit it,  that's accuracy.   

In all seriousness, the length of the barrel has little to do with accuracy, however it will effect velocity. We need to know what you are using the rifle for because it's possible you are headed in the wrong direction. For a hunting gun you would be better off with a good quality barrel around 22-24 inches. I have a 16" barreled AR10 that is extremely accurate but the velocity is hampered due to the short burn time in the tube.

[Elk-aholic]

Out of the three you mentioned, my vote would go for Douglas. I have a Douglas Premium barrel on my 300 RUM and I love it! It's an extremely accurate barrel and will cost less then the other manufactures you mentioned. 

[fishnate]

The rifle is a Browning Abolt with factory barrel 22 or 24 inch a Mcmillan stock pillar bedded stock trigger with timney spring kit puts the pull at about 3lbs.  I am shooting 150gr swift sirracos with 62gr IMR 4350. not sure what the fps is do not have a cronograph yet this is what it is shooting so far.

[MDGrand]

Your getting .69 MOA? Is that right? Why change? you shooting competition? < 1"MOA at 100 yards is more than adaquate for taking down any NA game. 7mm mag will also do the job. I would say keep it as is. Although.. if you do replace it, I would definitely not go shorter than 24".. maybe even go 26" and a couple extra hundred lbs of velocity. 

[fishnate]

Yes I know It is perfectly fine as is but I guess it is more of a hobby to me than anything else.  I just thought doing the barrel might tighten it up even more. And yes it does take down game well 

[JackOfAllTrades]

Anyone that would complain about less than .75moa/100yd from a magnum rifle should have their head examined. 

Do you still want this to be a hunting rifle or are you planning to compete with it?  What is the time interval between shots for barrel cooldown or are all of these shots from a cold barrel? If not, How much does the cold bore shot deviate from the third - fifth warm barrel shot? Although I don't even own one, I'm partial to the Schillen barrels in fluted bull design that disipate heat incredibly well and from what I've seen will print groups like you show even when the bore is warm. But don't expect much better accuracy from a cold bore shot. All you can strive for now is better consistency from a warm barrel. 

-Steve

[e55komp]

to answer your question and not mock what your doing , all 3 you posted are great barrels and have a proven history in competition shooting and are known for fantastic accuracy. i personally have a lilja and douglas both are great.