Gunsmithing Barrels and metal defects/inclusions

M338

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Minuteman
Jul 2, 2011
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Australia
Hi All,I have an aftermarket barrel on my rifle chambered in 6.5 cm,the thing absolutely hammered right from the start sub 1/2min consistently.The past few matches my scores have been somewhat sub par,so I logically blamed it on myself.
On a day off last week I visited the range and my pet loads were showing inconsistencies grouping even though my LabRadar showed very low sd/es’s.
I go back home load another 40 rounds with different charges and lengths and still no love,WTF. I decided to give it a good scrub and take it to my smith to borescope,it turns out there are quite a few inclusions in the barrel steel two major ones at the crown one of them in the groove which are visible by eye.
I have the option of loosing some length off the barrel rethreading for the brake and see how it goes or do I just send it back,what do you guys think?
 
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The visible ones at the crown.
The mark at 3o’clock is not a ding it shows through the groove on the other side.
 
You could by a bit and recrown it yourself at home. If you see enough improvement just go pay a professional. Worst case scenario, you make it worse and have to replace it. Best case scenario, you find your barrel is salvageable and have a little more Pride in your rifle.
 
Looked frosty on the phone. Yeah, at 250 rounds you have a case for a rebarrel for sure. I wouldn't even question it here.