Impressed with my Proof barrel

[dang472]

Finally got to sight in my new 6.5 Creedmoor build and wanted to say that Proof makes a legit barrel. This is my first large frame AR build and first foray into the Creedmoor.

Build specs: Mega MKM receiver set, Proof 22” CAMGAS 6.5 barrel, Magpul furniture, APA brake, SLR gas block, SSA-E trigger, JP SCS, and Rubber City titanium BCG with HP bolt.

First 10 rounds were Hornady 120gr Match factory ammo. Averaged 2,830fps. The last 10 rounds were Hornady 140gr Match ammo averaging 2684fps.

 

[dang472]

I only put 20 rounds through it so far. 10 rounds to fine tune the gas block and get it sighted in. Last 10 rounds were these groups.
A little proof that SD doesn’t mean a whole lot at 100 yards

 

[roamin]

Nice that's good to hear I've 2 on order for my AXSA. Your Proof barrel looks to be shooting about identically to my Christensen's CA10 barrel that I have on my 308 AR10 upper I built.

 

[dang472]

I’m curious how the Proof compares to the Rainier Ultramatch. I built another Mega that’s basically the same as this one but with a Rainier 22” +2 gas. Just finalizing glass for that one.

I mostly handload so these first groups with factory ammo are really promising. Also, I’m going to take some weight out of the JP SCS. I went with the Heavy because of the titanium bolt carrier but I still couldn’t get the bolt to lock back consistently on an empty mag.

 

[Darqusoull13]

I’m curious how the Proof compares to the Rainier Ultramatch. I built another Mega that’s basically the same as this one but with a Rainier 22” +2 gas. Just finalizing glass for that one.

I mostly handload so these first groups with factory ammo are really promising. Also, I’m going to take some weight out of the JP SCS. I went with the Heavy because of the titanium bolt carrier but I still couldn’t get the bolt to lock back consistently on an empty mag.

I'd suggest re-tuning the gas block to lock back on the last round, then open it 2 additional clicks and forget it. That setting should run near every factory and reload. Since you mostly hand load you are just going to find a new node anyways. Removing mass from the SCS will reduce your operating window with the light carrier and I would avoid doing so. Lube the ever living shit out of the carrier as well now that you have the nice picture.

 

[davsco]

nice build and nice shootin'!!

 

[dang472]

Well I couldn’t get it to hold open consistently even at full open. Maybe things will break in. My hand loads will be stouter than the factory ones and I probably won’t be shooting in much colder weather. It was around 24 degrees.

 

[Subwrx300]

Well I couldn’t get it to hold open consistently even at full open. Maybe things will break in. My hand loads will be stouter than the factory ones and I probably won’t be shooting in much colder weather. It was around 24 degrees.

If this is your first gas AR10, it's good to know that you can be overgassed and have it mimick undergassed (i.e. inconsistent lockback). If it doesn't lock back with 120/140 Hornady even at full open, you might be riding over the mag lock. Factory Hornady 120 and 140 aren't exactly slouches (especially the 120s) with pressure.

My 6.5CM MSR10 did this for the first 100 or so rounds at which point I turned gas way down and starting getting normal lock back consistently (and keep it super lubed).

Your extended gas system maybe part of the issue and require less buffer mass/spring but I don't think that's the case here. Keep us posted!

 

[MSTN]

I built a successful 6.5 CM around the identical barrel, housed in a 2A Armament receiver set plus forend:

I was very pleased with the accuracy results.

I went with a conventional .308 carbine recoil spring with H3 buffer. I for the life of me can't get a gun to work quite right with a SCS.

 

[dang472]

I tried to turn it down for a few rounds in case it was over gassed. I was down to 4-6 clicks from full closed and it wasn’t ejecting the spent casing. Maybe everything needs to wear in a little. I’m going to order a standard weight JP SCS for my other rifle. I’ll trade out one tungsten weight and see if I can find a happy medium.

 

[Movistar]

I had the same issue with the SCS, running over the bolt lock and acting under gassed when it was over gassed. I turned the gas block all the way closed and started from there. I agree with the gentlemen that said lube it up too. Proper lube and 4 clicks from closed and it shoots really soft and locks every time.

 

[dang472]

Are you running the standard or heavy?

 

[Movistar]

standard JP SCS

 

[dang472]

Sounds good, I’ve got the standard one on the way

 

[Movistar]

I know conventional wisdom is to start open then close it off. I'd encourage you to do the opposite. AR10s are finicky. Gas port size etc. Lube up the BGC and start fully closed then open from there. I for real am only 4 clicks to perfect gas. Because the port is so huge... (Noveske Barrel for reference)

 

[remington patriot]

Nice!! I have an 18" stainless Proof .308 barrel with an Area 419 hellfire on the end and it is an absolute hammer. I too have an adjustable gas block (Superlative Arms) I am very impressed with it. I started with it completely closed and opened it one click until it ejected the spent casing and locked the action open on an empty magazine. Then I would shoot three rounds to make sure it cycled properly and locked back. I found it easier to start closed and work your way up.

 

[stwcattle]

Thanks for the post. I have 3 Proof carbon wrap barrels on bolt hunting rifles and they all 3 are unbelievable from the fist shots fired.

Not to high jack the discussion I would be interested to know if anyone has tried a 16'' 308 Proof carbon barrel.

 

[MSTN]

Yes sir!

Here's my newest, super lightweight, big block blaster!!! A 7 pound even dry weight .308 built around a Proof Research 16" CFW barrel with intermediate length gas system, JP LMOS bolt carrier with high pressure bolt, SLR adjustable gas block, and V Seven titanium Fusion brake. All housed inside the new Battle Arms Development billet 7.62 receiver set with matching 15" forend. LaRue MBT trigger, Vltor lower receiver extension, Heavy Buffers recoil spring, and normal H2 buffer round out the innards. All small parts in titanium from V Seven. MFT stock works amazingly well and weighs next to nothing. Great glass in the form of the Kahles K16i, riding in the bulletproof Spuhr SP-3026 mount. Recoil is amazingly light, plus accuracy is quite acceptable, especially considering the rifle's 7 pound weight. Reliability so far 100%.

 

[Movistar]

Sweet ride MSTN. I imagine the 7lbs doesn’t include the optic. That’s a nice set up. Keep them coming!

 

[MSTN]

Correct. Optic and mount not included.

 

[Gtscotty]

Nice results! Do the SS Proof barrels have as good of a reputation as the CF wrapped?

 

[MSTN]

According to this well regarded blog, Proof Research SS barrels are coming on quite strong in PRS shooting. Proof went from "Nobody knew knew they made barrels in SS" to the second most common barrel used by top PRS shooters (behind Bartlein) this past year.

https://precisionrifleblog.com/2019/01/05/best-rifle-barrel-2/

 

[stwcattle]

According to this well regarded blog, Proof Research SS barrels are coming on quite strong in PRS shooting. Proof went from "Nobody knew knew they made barrels in SS" to the second most common barrel used by top PRS shooters (behind Bartlein) this past year.

https://precisionrifleblog.com/2019/01/05/best-rifle-barrel-2/

I'm not by any means a top PRS type shooter but I can confirm Proof stainless barrels are as accurate for me as the Bartlein. Proof are the only barrels on my hunting rifles and precision rifle rebarrels.

 

[Precision Underground]

Love me some Mega MKM. I’m converting my 5.56 MKM to Valkyrie right now!

 

[remington patriot]

I am really liking the PROOF stainless barrel. I will post some groups when I get to run some match grade ammo through it.

 

[MSTN]

I picked up a stainless PROOF barrel in .224 V that I’m looking forward to trying.

You can cruise up and down any barrel you can think of with a borescope., and from chamber to crown, I don’t think you’ll find a more beautifully turned out product.

The throats appear to be honed. Zero tool marks.

 

[lennyo3034]

PVA turned Bartlein on this one. May have to try a proof next. Not that I’m unhappy with this barrel, I just feel bad making Josh stop everything to do a one off gas gun barrel.