Re: decided on .260...what bullet?
CarbonOne- Would you mind sending me a PM with your RL22 load you mentioned? I'm up to get some 140's working in my 260 with RL-22 and I need a starting point.
The reason that Shilen warning was given was for 2 reasons
Q1) Button rifled process vs. Cut Rifling process
Q2) Post-rifled lapping
A1) Shilen button rifles their barrels instead of cutting the rifling like Brux, Kreiger, Bartlein, etc. It tends to leave more residual stresses in the blank than the cut process does. This isn't a factor if the barrel is properly stress relieved after it's been rifled. For the Chrome Moly match barrels I don't think they do this, but they do stress relieve the Select Match versions in SS.
A2) They do not lap the barrels to polish the bore surface on the CM Match barrels like other manufacturers do to their high end stuff. The SS Select Match barrels (which cost just as much as everyone elses stuff) are lapped.
My personal experience with several CM Match Shilens in 6, 6.5, 7, and 30 cal (6 rifles total) are that they all shoot inside 1/2 MOA at very long range. They copper foul a little bit more than the SS Select Match cousins or the competitor hand lapped barrels that I've owned.
I see no reason not to use a CM Match barrel on a barrel burner. If you're going to build an F-class rifle or a BR rifle where 1/2 MOA is not anywhere near acceptable then go with a SS select match grade or a cut rifled, lapped barrel from Brux, Krieger, Broughton, Bartlein, etc etc.
If your rifle needs to shoot consistently in the 1/2 MOA range or a little better/worse then save the money and get the CM Match and enjoy it. Spend the other $150 on more reloading components and shoot more often.
I won't put an absolutely top shelf barrel on my 6.5-06 because the barrel life is 1200-1500 rounds. For the 6mm BR that I plan on building in the near future it's getting a Brux 1:8
