3 new test barrels for RimX just arrived yesterday from Manzella
First up for testing out of these 3 new barrels is the ACE. This is my second time testing an ACE barrel on my RimX.
20" ACE 1.2" Straight
22LR Match Eachus chamber
Target Crown
Today I wanted to test how this ACE barrel shot from a raw performance standpoint as a new barrel. No seasoning, no cleaning between switching ammo types or lots. Just wanted to see what kind of performance I could get out of this new ACE barrel from the start.
I used my SEB Neo up front and a PQP adjustable rear rest in the rear. I was not shooting off a solid concrete bench, it wasnt available today so this wobbly wooden table was all I had so these groups I guarantee can tighten up from here.
I put a wet patch of Rimfire blend down it then a few dry patches and torqued it on my RimX @ 50ft lbs and took it to the range.
I decided to shoot new never tested ammo through this barrel today for the most part. I didnt bring any heavily lot tested and proven ammo with me today. That was plan B to give this ACE a fair chance on range trip #2 if this didnt pan out.
As shown in the below pictures I tested today a few test lot bricks from Whidden as follows: Eley Match (5 different lots), Eley Tenex (5 Different Lots), SK Special (5 Lots), SK Rifle Match (5 Lots). I then brought what I call my odd box that has ones and twos of random lots of ammo that were left over from previous lot testing. These were lots that werent the best shooting lots in previous barrels. This was a mix of a few lots of Lapua CenterX (1 lot) and 3 lots of Lapua Midas+ and 3 lots of RWS R50 and 1 lot of RWS Special Match.
In no way was this session today ment to be a lot test. I just wanted to see how this ACE would shoot with various lots of various known types of Match ammo that most people are shooting today.
As you can see from the below results, this ACE barrel straight hammered and shot pretty all the ammo good with quite a few different lots in different brands exceptionally well.
I can only imagine how some of these shoot with a properly cleaned barrel, not mixing types/wax and just shooting that lot.
Either way, this ACE is a hammer for sure. We had an odd lot of Midas+ that didnt shoot great in any other barrels previously that shot both 5 shot groups in the 0.0X's and 0.1's in this ACE. So you never know when a lot doesnt shoot good in some barrels, it could hammer in another... Thats the 22lr ammo gamble.
We had a lot of SK+ and a lot of SK RM that shot in the 0.1's.... We had a lot of Eley Match that shot in the 0.1's.
All around, these ACE barrels continue to shoot really really well and shouldnt be overlooked.
20" ACE 1.2" Straight
22LR Match Eachus chamber
Target Crown
Today I wanted to test how this ACE barrel shot from a raw performance standpoint as a new barrel. No seasoning, no cleaning between switching ammo types or lots. Just wanted to see what kind of performance I could get out of this new ACE barrel from the start.
I used my SEB Neo up front and a PQP adjustable rear rest in the rear. I was not shooting off a solid concrete bench, it wasnt available today so this wobbly wooden table was all I had so these groups I guarantee can tighten up from here.
I put a wet patch of Rimfire blend down it then a few dry patches and torqued it on my RimX @ 50ft lbs and took it to the range.
I decided to shoot new never tested ammo through this barrel today for the most part. I didnt bring any heavily lot tested and proven ammo with me today. That was plan B to give this ACE a fair chance on range trip #2 if this didnt pan out.
As shown in the below pictures I tested today a few test lot bricks from Whidden as follows: Eley Match (5 different lots), Eley Tenex (5 Different Lots), SK Special (5 Lots), SK Rifle Match (5 Lots). I then brought what I call my odd box that has ones and twos of random lots of ammo that were left over from previous lot testing. These were lots that werent the best shooting lots in previous barrels. This was a mix of a few lots of Lapua CenterX (1 lot) and 3 lots of Lapua Midas+ and 3 lots of RWS R50 and 1 lot of RWS Special Match.
In no way was this session today ment to be a lot test. I just wanted to see how this ACE would shoot with various lots of various known types of Match ammo that most people are shooting today.
As you can see from the below results, this ACE barrel straight hammered and shot pretty all the ammo good with quite a few different lots in different brands exceptionally well.
I can only imagine how some of these shoot with a properly cleaned barrel, not mixing types/wax and just shooting that lot.
Either way, this ACE is a hammer for sure. We had an odd lot of Midas+ that didnt shoot great in any other barrels previously that shot both 5 shot groups in the 0.0X's and 0.1's in this ACE. So you never know when a lot doesnt shoot good in some barrels, it could hammer in another... Thats the 22lr ammo gamble.
We had a lot of SK+ and a lot of SK RM that shot in the 0.1's.... We had a lot of Eley Match that shot in the 0.1's.
All around, these ACE barrels continue to shoot really really well and shouldnt be overlooked.
Last edited:
Brought the gun home and cleaned it yesterday. Few wet patches of Rimfire blend, wet nylon brush in thr throat area and first few inches of barrel for 10 strokes or so then dry patched it out.
Took it back out today and shot from the 100yd line. Had a pretty consistent calm 3mph wind but had these random 8-10mph unpredictable gusts out of nowhere. So a few shots got blown.
I just grabbed some of the best shooting lots of ammo from yesterday's 50yd range session and shot them at 100...
As usual, the SK+ and RM opened up at 100.. the one lot of Eley Match and 2 lots of Midas shot the best. No in depth testing, just shot some groups.
Really hammered consistently 0.5" and better with the best lots of ammo tested with one lot of Midas shooting high 0.3's.
Took it back out today and shot from the 100yd line. Had a pretty consistent calm 3mph wind but had these random 8-10mph unpredictable gusts out of nowhere. So a few shots got blown.
I just grabbed some of the best shooting lots of ammo from yesterday's 50yd range session and shot them at 100...
As usual, the SK+ and RM opened up at 100.. the one lot of Eley Match and 2 lots of Midas shot the best. No in depth testing, just shot some groups.
Really hammered consistently 0.5" and better with the best lots of ammo tested with one lot of Midas shooting high 0.3's.
Earlier this year, I contacted Mike Manzella to ask if he could do a pre fit for my Rim X - Normally not a big deal but I live in Australia's Top End.
Mike purchased a Kreiger blank on my behalf as the supplier would not deal with an international customer. He machined the blank and Amy shipped it to an Arizona based exporter in April.
The package finally made it to my door and I put it together this week.
I just wanted to say a big "Thank-You" to this small family run business. Mike's attention to detail is outstanding and his follow up service is as good as you will find anywhere.
Mike purchased a Kreiger blank on my behalf as the supplier would not deal with an international customer. He machined the blank and Amy shipped it to an Arizona based exporter in April.
The package finally made it to my door and I put it together this week.
I just wanted to say a big "Thank-You" to this small family run business. Mike's attention to detail is outstanding and his follow up service is as good as you will find anywhere.
Well, I just read through all 63 pages of this thread. There is a lot of good knowledge in here. Also a lot of…personalities… lol
Thanks to those that have put in the time to research and test the platform over the last few years.
My action will be here Friday. I have a 25” 1.2 16t ACE being spun up by RADIX and hope to have that next week, but that’s purely an optimistic guess.
My factory barreled b14r carried me into the Open top 100 at the national PRS rimfire finale a few weeks back, but it’s time to move on. Excited is an understatement.
I will post up some pictures, etc when able.
Now if only ammo was as available as it was a few years ago…
Thanks to those that have put in the time to research and test the platform over the last few years.
My action will be here Friday. I have a 25” 1.2 16t ACE being spun up by RADIX and hope to have that next week, but that’s purely an optimistic guess.
My factory barreled b14r carried me into the Open top 100 at the national PRS rimfire finale a few weeks back, but it’s time to move on. Excited is an understatement.
I will post up some pictures, etc when able.
Now if only ammo was as available as it was a few years ago…
I'm right there with ya, was hoping the PRS finale was my Bergara's last match but probably 1 more before I can move over to a Mod X!
Well, I must say I'm impressed. Took the new build out to the range today for the first time.
RimX w/ a Radix Precision spun 16t 1.2" ACE blank finished at 25" with his custom chamber.
This was not a lot test mission, but more so just a "get rounds down range and season the barrel" type outing.
Mission accomplished.
I can't believe how well this thing shoots at 50 yards. It didn't care what I fed it.
Norma Tac?
Center-x?
Rifle Match?
Super Long Range?
0.2-0.4's all day, and the wind was not dead-calm.
I do have some work to do at 200, as that's where I normally focus my lot testing. The lots of Center X and Eley Match I had on hand shot okay at 2.9" & 2.5" 10 shot groups while managing the wind. Norma Tac surprisingly shot pretty good (~4"), but the ES/SD issues definitely started showing that far out. The two lots of Rifle Match I have did not shoot worth a darn. Something like 8-10" at 200yds. I didn't even bother measuring. I don't really think that can be attributed to my barrel, as my buddy shot the same rifle match lots out of his Duece and saw similar group sizes at 200yds. Bad ammo is bad
The barrel was filled with a hodge podge of different lubricants by the time I was done, so I'm sure I could shrink the Eley and Center X numbers with a calmer day & better "testing" procedures.
Today was just about fun though.
I tuned the mags last night before I headed to the range this morning, and didn't have a single feeding issue. I'll get some pictures of my targets and measurements following the next outing when I'm a little more methodical in my approach, along with some real pictures of the gun.
RimX w/ a Radix Precision spun 16t 1.2" ACE blank finished at 25" with his custom chamber.
This was not a lot test mission, but more so just a "get rounds down range and season the barrel" type outing.
Mission accomplished.
I can't believe how well this thing shoots at 50 yards. It didn't care what I fed it.
Norma Tac?
Center-x?
Rifle Match?
Super Long Range?
0.2-0.4's all day, and the wind was not dead-calm.
I do have some work to do at 200, as that's where I normally focus my lot testing. The lots of Center X and Eley Match I had on hand shot okay at 2.9" & 2.5" 10 shot groups while managing the wind. Norma Tac surprisingly shot pretty good (~4"), but the ES/SD issues definitely started showing that far out. The two lots of Rifle Match I have did not shoot worth a darn. Something like 8-10" at 200yds. I didn't even bother measuring. I don't really think that can be attributed to my barrel, as my buddy shot the same rifle match lots out of his Duece and saw similar group sizes at 200yds. Bad ammo is bad
The barrel was filled with a hodge podge of different lubricants by the time I was done, so I'm sure I could shrink the Eley and Center X numbers with a calmer day & better "testing" procedures.
Today was just about fun though.
I tuned the mags last night before I headed to the range this morning, and didn't have a single feeding issue. I'll get some pictures of my targets and measurements following the next outing when I'm a little more methodical in my approach, along with some real pictures of the gun.
I have a relatively new RimX. Bought and assembled it earlier in 2020 but moved to a restricted state and shooting was dedicated to center fire.
I took it out today for the first time for an extended range session at 50 and 100yds. It has one of the bartlein custom carbon fiber barrels we did a group buy on via padom.
It shot lights out. When it actually functioned.
With 200 rds shot I probably had 15-20 failure to fires, 10ish failure to extract, and then had one round get so stuck in chamber I had to pop it out from the muzzle with a cleaning rod.
Ammo below. Will try some different options next range trip.
I took it out today for the first time for an extended range session at 50 and 100yds. It has one of the bartlein custom carbon fiber barrels we did a group buy on via padom.
It shot lights out. When it actually functioned.
With 200 rds shot I probably had 15-20 failure to fires, 10ish failure to extract, and then had one round get so stuck in chamber I had to pop it out from the muzzle with a cleaning rod.
Ammo below. Will try some different options next range trip.
Some of the early Rim-X actions had a bad heat treat on their extractors causing them to wear out very quickly causing the exact issue you are experiencing. I would check with Zermatt about a free replacement.
Call Ray. Sounds like a bad or damaged extractor. Simple replacement.
Anyone ever had issues ejecting eley cases? My rimx is flawless with sk and lapua but has the occasional failure to eject (not extract) with eley. Being that’s it’s hard to find lapua ammo I’ve switched to eley…. I did get the eley specific extractor and still have issues. I also ordered and extra power tensioner spring from a guy on the rimx FB group. Hopefully that helps.
I've been shooting tons of Eley Match lately. Bought 2 cases after lot testing and haven't had any issues. Still using my original extractor Serial #005 as well..
Shot my first match with the rimx this weekend. Placed 4th. Still running flawlessly. Real pictures as promised.
I shot there this afternoon.Shot my first match with the rimx this weekend. Placed 4th. Still running flawlessly. Real pictures as promised.
Wish the rimfire matches didn’t stop in August this year, but it is what it is.
Screwed on a brand new 20" 1.2" straight Green Mountain from Manzella and took it out today.
I feel like a broken record but damn these Green Mountains just continue to hammer. I haven't received a bad one yet and I've tested a LOT of GM's...
Tested some SK+, SK RM, CenterX and Midas. The SK shot good and the CX and Midas shot excellent with some very tiny groups.
I'll post the target up shortly
I feel like a broken record but damn these Green Mountains just continue to hammer. I haven't received a bad one yet and I've tested a LOT of GM's...
Tested some SK+, SK RM, CenterX and Midas. The SK shot good and the CX and Midas shot excellent with some very tiny groups.
I'll post the target up shortly
Here the targets from today's new GM session.
First rounds down the barrel were the SK+, then SK RM, hence CX and Midas. Pretty impressive groups for no break in or lot testingnon a brand new barrel.
Even shot a group in the 0.0x's
First rounds down the barrel were the SK+, then SK RM, hence CX and Midas. Pretty impressive groups for no break in or lot testingnon a brand new barrel.
Even shot a group in the 0.0x's
Just curious, are you measuring outside to outside and then subtracting the bullet diameter?
H
I called Ray at Zermatt just now but I missed their office hours.
But in short unfortunately my problems are still persisting even after replacing the extractor and cycling with new mags.
Full disclosure I was cycling snap caps here at the house so I don't know if that's doing anything, but I had 8 out of 10 snap caps wouldn't allow me to close the bolt, and multiple rounds didn't feed as the bullet didn't strip the round out of the mag
It's sitting in a krg Bravo chassis, there's a little bit of play with the mags and they're seated but nothing gross but I guess I have to look into this
I called Ray at Zermatt just now but I missed their office hours.
But in short unfortunately my problems are still persisting even after replacing the extractor and cycling with new mags.
Full disclosure I was cycling snap caps here at the house so I don't know if that's doing anything, but I had 8 out of 10 snap caps wouldn't allow me to close the bolt, and multiple rounds didn't feed as the bullet didn't strip the round out of the mag
It's sitting in a krg Bravo chassis, there's a little bit of play with the mags and they're seated but nothing gross but I guess I have to look into this
Are you checking before fully closing the bolt that the round is sliding up the bolt face BEHIND the tensioner and extractor.
Sounds like it's not at all which is indicative of a hard bolt close and no ejection...
Sounds like it's not at all which is indicative of a hard bolt close and no ejection...
Also, did you adjust the mags properly or just bolt the barreled action into the chassis?
Update.
Failure to feed issues have disappeared with new extractor and ejector.
Only had 2 failure extract, but the rounds were stuck in the chamber. Had to cleaning rod them out.
However, I probably had 20-30 failure to ignites over 150 rds shit. Ammo was lapua x and SK.
How do I further diagnose? Im using a trigger tech trigger fyi.
Failure to feed issues have disappeared with new extractor and ejector.
Only had 2 failure extract, but the rounds were stuck in the chamber. Had to cleaning rod them out.
However, I probably had 20-30 failure to ignites over 150 rds shit. Ammo was lapua x and SK.
How do I further diagnose? Im using a trigger tech trigger fyi.
Last edited:
Is this a built gun or one you've assembled? Any chance you have a 22mag bolt? Something sounds messed up having all these issues
Do you have the no go gauge the action comes with? Will it not go?
Do you have the no go gauge the action comes with? Will it not go?
Bix n Andy tac sport pro set at 3.5oz. You have to change the sear in tac sport for Rimx
But trigger pull has nothing to do with how hard the firing pin hits the primer - the main spring does
But trigger pull has nothing to do with how hard the firing pin hits the primer - the main spring does
Hi. I have my rimx made by TS Customs and brought here to Europe about a year ago. Recently I noticed something disturbing. The bullets are damaged when they are placed in the chamber. I tried to adjust the height of the magazine but it did not help. The only thing that changes is the place where the bullet is hit. There is no damage to the chamber or the barrel. I assume that this is a problem with the bullet hitting the chamber, it hits its entrance. What should I do? Lower the magazine? Raise it? Maybe move the front to the back?
I know that theoretically it does not affect the BC in flight up to 100-150m but when shooting at 250-300m such a scratch will have an effect. What do you advise?
Setup:
-RIMX Action
- Benchmark Barrel chambered by Travis Stevens (TS Customs) 26" MTU 16.5" 3gr.
Triggertech diamond Single
Vision Pro chassis
NF ATACR 7-35
I know that theoretically it does not affect the BC in flight up to 100-150m but when shooting at 250-300m such a scratch will have an effect. What do you advise?
Setup:
-RIMX Action
- Benchmark Barrel chambered by Travis Stevens (TS Customs) 26" MTU 16.5" 3gr.
Triggertech diamond Single
Vision Pro chassis
NF ATACR 7-35
Attachments
Update, after chatting with Ray, given my age of my action, he recommended replacing the cocking piece.
He's sending me a new one.
Will report back.
I have the same components supplied by TS Customs but in a Foundation with Hawkins M5 bottom metal.
It's all in the adjustment of the magazine height. I understand the Vision Pro has an adjustable mag catch and that, together with the adjustable latch on the Rim X mag should allow you to set the height to avoid any bullet deformation.
A few thou. either way can make all the difference and I use feeler gauges to set all my mags to feed correctly.
Thank you for the tip. I will also use a feeler gauge to set them correctly.
The Vision Pro chassis has adjustable height and magazine clearance (front back, top bottom). I have tried many many times to make proper settings and each of them leaves one or another mark on the bullet. Are you set yours to the highest position (as close to the slide as possible) or as low as possible? Thank you for your help.
I had similar issues with my initial Rimx barreled action in 2020. The cases that fired had what looked like cushioning and I asked aIbout hard primer strikes since they would fire in another rifle. Coordinated with Ray and examining the chamfer, we suspected it was too large/deep. My local gunsmith coordinated with Ray to cut the chamfer to proper Zermatt specs, problem solved. 5 more barrels later and never saw the problem again. There is another similar case back in the 2020 discussions. Same timeframe as yours.
I'm sure John would have taken care of it but, after getting lost in the mail (Covid timeframe) for 2 months, I decided to get it done locally.
Last edited:
Decided to make a little trip out to MCR yesterday to pickup my Mod-X to avoid any issues with shipping during the holidays and as a bonus got to meet the man, the myth, the legend himself! Finally, a Mod-X out in the wild with the bolt on the correct side! Burnt through 2 bricks of SK Standard+ to season the barrel and some preliminary testing with the lot of CX I have over a case of. Wasn't planning to shoot anything less than 10 shot groups but with the size of group on target #6 I decided to stop at 5 for that one.
Last edited:
Still waiting for my call to send mine in for the conversion. Going to build a second rimx as well in a lighter config for just playing around and as a backup to the main comp rifle.
Thoughts on it after conversion?
Similar threads
