Barrel Suggestions

[majohnson2]

I'm starting to put together my 1st rifle and I'm looking for ideas to incorporate in a custom barrel. The project is going to be based off the Remington SA .308 in Stainless Steel. I have no interest in hunting or anything other then punch paper, or steel. I live on disability so costs are an issue. And I do have some physical issue with my neck, so managing recoil is a big plus. I don't have a great deal of rifle experience, most of my shooting has been with handguns.

Its my understanding that the 6.5 Creedmoor is good cartridge for reduced recoil. The info I'm after is listed below, if you have some other points I'm open to them.


Length?

Twist?

Groves?

5R?

Crown?

Thanks

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

You say your disabled so I won't say what everyone that has read this is thinking. What are your physical limitations? How much can you pick up ect? What ranges do you want to be able to shoot at? Do you reload? You said cost is an issue and I can fully understand where your coming from. I would suggest a .223 or .308 with a muzzle brake. They don't have much recoil to deal with. They are cheap whether or not you reload.

Length: Stay short 20in or so to help with handling and weight
Barrel thickness: Heavy it will help with recoil but provide better consistancy
Twist Rate: for .223 1:7 for .308 1:10 if you really want the 6.5 someone else will have to help you there
Grooves/5R: Who is making it? I'd get a Rock Creek in 5R if it were me
Crown: if it's done right it won't matter. I like the 11 degree target crown but I have a hand cutting tool and do them myself. Get whichever suits your fancy.

Most important info I can give you; go read though the getting started in long range shooting thread till after all your current questions are answered and you've got more. You'll learn alot in there and be salivating over getting to ring some steel with your new rifle. Fair warning it's an additive hobby that your wife will probably not appreciate, and your neighbors probably won't understand. Fill out your profile too, there may be some guys on here that live close and would help you out. Welcome to the Hide

 

[Senderofan]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

I think HillBilly gave some really good information! The only info. I would add...if you want to stay with the factory bolt..specifically...to fit the factory bolt face. The .223 is a great round for what you've listed...but you'd need to get a different bolt fitted to your action. I'd recommend you research the .243 Win. or .260 Rem rounds. These offer mild recoil with an abundance of factory ammo. Depending on the distances you want to shoot...the .22-250 might be a viable option....it has very light recoil, can be extremely accurate at range as long as the wind isn't blowing too bad and there is also a bunch of factory ammo available.

Just MHO's.

Good Luck,

Wayne

 

[majohnson2]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

Hillbilly,
I can handle lifting 20-25, much over that I get muscle spasms in my shoulders and my neck. My neck fused and theres hardware in the front and back. I'm trying to find something to get me out of the house some. I've been active until the surgeries made me stop.

The info you gave me is what I was after. Hopefully others will add their input. I don't have an excess of cash to build something with, thats the reason I posted. I've read loads of posts, however most of them are older posts. Please be kind. I do reload so that increases my options of calibers. The thing is most of the better rounds, you just don't run into the local gun shop to pick up a gun.

Of the reading I've done the 6.5 Creedmoor seems to be easy on the recoil, has a good selection of bullets and doesn't seems to be effected by the wind as much as some of the other calibers.

 

[FCS]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3196394#Post3196394

6BR might fit bill very well.

 

[Boltfluter]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

You won'g go wrong with the 6BR. Tack driver and very little recoil. Good luck. Paul

 

[n8lusk]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

Based on your criteria I agree with the 6BR. I've never owned one, but have had two 30BR's. No recoil and they were so accurate they were almost boring to shoot.

 

[majohnson2]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

I picked up a Stainless Steel R700 with a 26" barrel in .308 today. Now its decision time and the last 2 post have me thinking maybe I'm not as sure as I thought I was on the 6.5 CM. It would be so nice if you could test drive so to speak, to help with the process. I worry about not being able to get the new barrel before the snow flys.

Since Remington produces a 7-08, I called to see if it could be ordered with a bull barrel. The rep at Remington was helpful and explained all their guns are preconfigured and there was no way changes could be made. He mentioned that Remington is now coming out with a line of reduced power loads. And recommend that I just shoot the .308 reduced loads, explaining that the loads are reduced by 25% and that might be a better option then.

I would think that in it self would be an issue, given bullet drop over the distance. Although in time you could work out the adjustments. The learning curve is going to take some time.

 

[FCS]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

Your profile isn't filled out, might be a guy close to you with a 6BR you could run a few rounds out of.

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

majohnson, how far do you see yourself shooting?

 

[Burleyboy]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

I'm assuming you don't reload. If not the creedmoor would be the way to go of the recoil isn't too much. I had a 260 rem 700 vls and recoil seemed pretty light to me with its 26" varmint contour barrel and laminate stock.

It's being replaced by a 6.5 x 47 Lapua that's being built on a Brux 8 twist light Palma being cut to 24". If I were not a reloader I would have just had the same parts chambered to a creedmoor because the creedmoor factory ammo is so much cheaper that the Lapua.

Bb

 

[jake6547]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

260 rem or
6.5 creedmore or
6.5x47 lapua
rockcreek, bartlein, kreiger, any big name 1-8 twist,
whatever crown your gunsmiths perfers will do.
6mmbr's would be a good choice to but i am partial to 6.5's
I would say medium to heavy palma 20-24 inches
good to go

 

[majohnson2]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

majohnson, how far do you see yourself shooting?

To date my longest has been in the 250 range, I would like to push it out to 1250 or better. I've never had a long gun capable of any real longer range shooting. Living in Northern Colorado, I have places that will allow me the option of pushing the yardage boundary.

Burleyboy
I'm set up to load, and have been handgun stuff for a long time. My original cartridge of choice was the 6.5x47 Lapua, the cost of brass has pushed me toward the Creedmoor cartridge. Granted Lapua brass longer then anything else on the market.


Since I have no interest in hunting and this rifle will only be used as a paper puncher, is there any disadvantage to using a longer barrel? Something 26"-28" range, I read one person was using a 30" barrel, that seems a bit excessive.

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

1250 is out there a ways. I was going to suggest loading your own reduced load in the 308 and use a 155 grain to keep the recoil down. You could still do that until you have the money to upgrade. For 1250 you will want all you can get. Any of the 6.5’s should work, 243 would be another option as well for that distance. The only difference a longer barrel may have, I have read, is it can become harder to tune the load. But my longest barrel is 26” on a 308 and a 243 and I didn’t have any problem finding a load with those. So I don’t know how true that is.

 

[majohnson2]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

Niles,
Thanks for the advice. I'm in need of some .308 dies and brass if anyone has them for a good price. I'm thinking I won't have a barrel until late summer. So shooting some soft .308 loads and working on my shooting technique, seems like a good way to spend the summer.

What range finders are worth the money. Once you go pass say 500 yards, the price jumps drastically. Or what other ways are useful for setting up a know yardage practice range. I figure a wind gauge is also a required tool. And I'm sure there are several other things that are needed. I've seen some ballistic software apps for Apple products.

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

I'd suggest saving up if you have to to get a set of Bushnell Fusion 1600 LRF Binos. Myself, and many others here have them and like them. I think they are really the best bang go your buck and you won't need a different pair down the road.
As far as Ballistic apps go I use the full version of Bulletflight and like it enough that I haven't wanted to spend the money to try anything different. There are others that get good reviews on here too. However, if your wanting any of them to really be accurate you need a Kestrel and learn how to use it properly. If you don't have the money for that look at the field density altitude compensator. FDAC, that seems to get good reviews and they are supporting the Military Big Time.
Try the FGMM in 175gr and if it's not too much recoil for you with your .308 you've got a rifle you can use for a long time without having to start change calibers. I've had really good luck reloading with Varget. I'm pushing 175 SMK's at 2650 with 44.4 gr at 2.830 COAL. Recoil wasn't much even when my rifle was all stock it's a SPS Tactical. No one but you knows how much you can handle though. So good luck and take it easy

 

[aqualung]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

Ma,
I shoot the 7mm-08, 24" pipe. 150gn SMK's are good for me, with groups approaching .25MOA. felt recoil with those seems to be less than similar .308's, but I can't justify that with the physics, just feels softer in my gun.

I also have a .300WM. propel 190 & 210grn pills out of that at top book velocities, not going to give details, as there are pressure signs, shoots like a pussycat. Why??

AICS stock and MUZZLE BRAKE.

You've already got the gun, in a useable calibre.

Spend a little money on a threading job and a brake, others here will have better advice than me, but mine is a Holland (3-chamber design).

.308 is plentiful and cheap (relatively) to shoot. 6.5CM brass is EXPENSIVE and single source (read MONOPOLY). Dies, same deal, you can pick up .308 cheaper, because everybody and his dog makes a .308 die set. Look at 125grn bullets, shoot 'em at close range (say inside 400) till you get good and a feel for what you are doing and then go with heavier projectiles at longer range.

Don't get me wrong, I don't have a downer on the 6.5CM, I'm actually building a very expensive one at the moment, also building a .260Rem as well, on a sako action, just because I like the 6.5mm bore. BUT...
I am also building a cheap .308 (should be done this month!), for relatively cheap shooting.

More has been written about the .308 than probably any other calibre, so the knowledge base is vast, as is the loading data. You reload, so you can tailor your loads to what YOU need physically.

My .02c worth??

Stick with the .308, you've got the gun now, and it will serve you well. Learn to shoot said gun before you start to think about exotic calibres, get a BRAKE, or a suppressor, if legal in your jurisdiction, on your .308 and then shoot a shit-ton of ammo, get a coach. You will learn FAR more from shooting a lot, and with a coach, than you will from shooting a little with a more exotic calibre.
Save a little money as and when you can, and then re-visit the calibre question in a year from now. If you WANT to re-barrel at that time, you will probably be able to afford it. Lots of good sources for equipment here, including group buys on barrels etc.

READ, READ, READ. There is a shit-ton of info on this site, make good use of it. 99.9% of guys here will only want to help you.

FILL OUT YOUR PROFILE. The guys on this site are the best people in the world. If someone is close to your location, I can bet that they will take you under their wing and help you all they can. They're just that sort of people.

Shooting is all about time on the gun, and application of the correct technique. I guarantee you that you will not be shooting out to 1250yds next week!! Not with any success anyway. Walk before you can run, but set realistic training goals that will stretch you, and work towards them.

Stick with the .308 for now, save your money for LOTS of practice, and a MUZZLE BRAKE, and then, when you know what YOU want, in a few months time, get what you think you need.

This is a DOING sport, all the opinions and theory in the world doesn't influence where that bullet lands on paper. Shoot lots, form your own opinions, then decide what you want.

Welcome to the Hide.

Neil

ps. please feel free to disregard any/all of the above, it's only my <span style="font-style: italic">opinion</span>!

 

[majohnson2]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

Thanks for the advise. The muzzle brake is a must have, I'm hoping to find someone here in the Denver metro area that can thread the barrel for me. Then I can start working on the improving my ability, while extending the yardage. Using the 308 barrel as a trainer is a good idea. My original plan was to try selling the barrel, using the funds to improve my equipment.

I contacted Hart Barrels and they are telling me they are 6-8 weeks out on a blank. They been around for quite some time and seem to have a good reputation for producing high quality barrels.

My question would you use them for a barrel supplier?

 

[Burleyboy]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

I've gone back and forth a bit on the creedmoor vs. 6.5x47 lapua thing myself. A friend who has both told me that the lapua brass costs 1.5 times more than the creedmoor stuff but lasts 2 times longer. If I was shooting matches and loosing brass the creedmoor likely be cheaper but since I'm not I'm going with the lapua.

I just bought 200 new lapua brass for $210 and I'm hoping that if I take care of it it will get me at least half way through my barrel life.

If you don't mind running a muzzle brake you'd probably be of with a 308. I had a 300 wsm with a brake on it and felt recoil was about like a 260.

Bb

Bb

 

[cotntop]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

Yankee Hill will save money and time on barrel threading for 308 brake. If you decide on 6.5 CM, I get my Brux from BUGHOLES.

 

[majohnson2]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

That was quite the score on the brass. The muzzle brake doesn't bother me, I run one on my 6.8 AR. As for building the 6.5, I'm very set on building one. The Lapua was my first choice, its the cost of Lapua brass that got me to change.

I spent most of the day researching muzzle brakes and I still can't figure which one. I try YH tomorrow, theres shop called TJ anyone know anything about their work? It seems the more I read the more confused I get.

Thanks Everyone.

 

[majohnson2]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

My 6.5CM barrel should be here by Friday. I was referred to Brunos and lucked out, they had the barrel I wanted. Now I need help finding someone that can rebarrel my R700 .308 in S/S, its all stock and unfired.

I read that post on Phoenix, they seem good, the pics looks nice. It would be good if there is someone in the Denver area thats good. Its good to support your local businesses when possible, but I'm also comfortable with shipping. Its more about getting it done right.

Thanks again for everyone contribution.

 

[aqualung]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cotntop</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yankee Hill will save money and time on barrel threading for 308 brake. If you decide on 6.5 CM, I get my Brux from BUGHOLES. </div></div>

Yup,

Bugholes is the go-to guy for barrels.

Not heard any complaints about Brux.

ANY quality barrel will shoot better than you ever will!!

I went with Krieger, but the lead time was a bitch.

I STILL think that you should shoot the .308 for a while with something like 125grn Nosler Ballistic tips. Meet people, see what they shoot, try their guns, see what works for you.

You haven't even looked at 6XC, 6 and 6.5 Super LR, 6.5 Grendel, a fast twist .243 (Cheap brass!! same advantages as the .308, just use 115grn Tubbs)

Man, there are like 15,000,000 ways to skin this cat!

SHOOT, LEARN, don't just dive in. If you do, you will learn something down the track, and have a Homer Simpson moment. Doh!

Remember the old adage, Marry in haste, repent at leasure. Remember, it's not just the barrel, it's all the ancilliary crap that goes with it! Take your time, make an INFORMED choice.

I've been through all of the thoughts you're going through now. I speak from experience.

Somebody from the Denver area help this Brother out!!

N

 

[aqualung]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

Ooooops! Too late.

Disregard all of the above post. ^^

N

 

[wadebrown]

Re: Barrel Suggestions

+ many for Bugholes

I used to order my barrels direct from Brux and I now order them through Bugholes unless he has one in stock to my liking. In the last 8 months I have ordered 8 barrels from Bugholes in 3 different orders and have been very pleased with all aspects of his service.