Preferred barrel blanks (the company)

[Islas82]

The one that was spun up for my Origin was snug, but was able to spin on by hand.
Did you apply a bit of anti-seize?

I did not but this is extremely tight do you think it’ll help? It goes in fine then builds up resistance till it gets stuck and it’s difficult to even unscrew. Theres a very noticeable gap on the nut as well thats as far as it goes (see pictures)

I screwed the old barrel back in just in case there was damage done when I removed it but it screws in easily. I also took the barrel nut that came with the new barrel and screwed it on the old barrel to see if it’ll fit fine and it did.

 

[kampr]

I did not but this is extremely tight do you think it’ll help? It goes in fine then builds up resistance till it gets stuck and it’s difficult to even unscrew. Theres a very noticeable gap on the nut as well thats as far as it goes (see pictures)

I screwed the old barrel back in just in case there was damage done when I removed it but it screws in easily. I also took the barrel nut that came with the new barrel and screwed it on the old barrel to see if it’ll fit fine and it did. View attachment 7296208View attachment 7296207

It’s not going help that much, if that’s where you’re at...
Mine was a shouldered, I’d give them a call.

 

[Tremor3Guy]

Mine went on easy peasy but was shouldered as well.

 

[MRiles]

what action is that? where is the recoil lug?

 

[Tremor3Guy]

Shot my 260 a bit more, just some info for everyone. I have the velocity for the first 15 rds, shots 70-75, and 96-100 all same load. I also went up .8 in charge for shots 102-105 and gained quite a bit. 149 rds total and now I will start load developement with the “new” saterlee way which is to test wide range of seating depth first and then do his ladder test. Will let you all know how it goes. 2795 was first 15, then 2830 was 70-75 then 2836 was 96-100. Shots with new charge was 2901 102-105 and then the shots 148 and 149 went back down to 2879. I think it is stabilized now.

 

[Islas82]

what action is that? where is the recoil lug?

Its a ruger american it uses V block lugs.

 

[Islas82]

Ok barrel and action have been shipped to PBB. contacted Logan this morning and he said to send them in and they’ll sort it out. They’re calling it their fault and will adjust threads to fit my action. Guess I have to wait just a bit longer.

 

[Cote0321]

Just inquired with them about what reamer they use for 25 creedmoor, will place an order depending on their response! Will report back

 

[DacianMH]

You’re in the middle of marginally stable, have your shot these at distance? how are they doing? I’ve never had anything that was marginally stable actually shoot well.

Well problem solved, it was in fact a 1/8 twist not a 1/7, they offered to replace the barrel or refund. I chose refund since I have one of their 1/6.5 twist barrels for a Bighorn that my buddy originally ordered through me but decided he didn’t want to go that route anymore. In the 1/6.5 twist I’m doing very well with 88gr ELD and 90gr SMK.

 

[6cmShooter]

I did not but this is extremely tight do you think it’ll help? It goes in fine then builds up resistance till it gets stuck and it’s difficult to even unscrew. Theres a very noticeable gap on the nut as well thats as far as it goes (see pictures)

I screwed the old barrel back in just in case there was damage done when I removed it but it screws in easily. I also took the barrel nut that came with the new barrel and screwed it on the old barrel to see if it’ll fit fine and it did. View attachment 7296208View attachment 7296207

I had the same problem with a nucleus barrel but mine wouldnt even go a whole thread into the action. Measured the threads and the minor diameter is over sized. Had it also checked on an optical comparator at the aerospace shop I work at to confirm it which it did. Talked to preferred and they said they never have problems with barrels not screwing into the action and theres something wrong probably with my nucleus. Which is bs cause I have another barrel from them that fits perfectly and 2 savage prefits that fit great to. But they only way they said it can be fixed is to send my action to them so the barrel can be fitted to it which defeats the purpose of prefits.

 

[Islas82]

I had the same problem with a nucleus barrel but mine wouldnt even go a whole thread into the action. Measured the threads and the minor diameter is over sized. Had it also checked on an optical comparator at the aerospace shop I work at to confirm it which it did. Talked to preferred and they said they never have problems with barrels not screwing into the action and theres something wrong probably with my nucleus. Which is bs cause I have another barrel from them that fits perfectly and 2 savage prefits that fit great to. But they only way they said it can be fixed is to send my action to them so the barrel can be fitted to it which defeats the purpose of prefits.

Basically what I had to do as well.

 

[Krob95]

I didn’t send my action in. MHSA confirmed threads on the barrel were too shallow and talked to PBB and they took the barrel back and cut the threads properly. Seems to be pretty common unfortunately.

 

[6cmShooter]

From what I'm seeing on this thread seems so even though they said they've never had this issue on any of there barrels. Probably the last barrel I'll order from them after this. They dont seem to want to admit it's there fault that it's bad even though pictures were sent to show that the threads weren't cut deep enough.

 

[archangel485]

Just inquired with them about what reamer they use for 25 creedmoor, will place an order depending on their response! Will report back

Not sure if they got back to you but I had asked them about this a while back and they stated their reamer was based on the 131 ACE and blackjack's spec's.

 

[Estes640]

I had one of their first nucleus barrels. Like a lot of other people here, minor diameter of threads was oversized. Sent it back and they fixed it no questions asked. Figured it was normal startup hiccups but it seems to be very common.

 

[6cmShooter]

Got a call from them saying without me sending my action to them they cant guarantee the barrel will fit. Pretty much tired of there bs definitely wont be ordering another barrel from them after this. Especially after being lied to that they have never heard of that being a problem and it's probably my action that's not to spec. If that was the case then the other barrel I had from them and the savage prefits wouldnt fit either in theory. The point of the prefits is so I dont have to have my rifle sent away for a barrel to be put on. I mean how fucking hard is it to check the threads with a go / no go thread gauge. All the threads have a tolerance spec to them it's not that damn hard to spend the 30 seconds to check the threads. I'm an machinist and quality control Inspector by trade and do that shit all day every day.

 

[6cmShooter]

I had one of their first nucleus barrels. Like a lot of other people here, minor diameter of threads was oversized. Sent it back and they fixed it no questions asked. Figured it was normal startup hiccups but it seems to be very common.

Heres the email that sent saying this is the first time they've heard of it.

 

[snbyiggidy1]

I had not seen this thread before tonight. I placed an order for a Tikka shouldered Prefit in .224 Valkyrie back on March 12. Got an email about a week ago saying it was in production. Expecting to hear it is shipping soon. I sent in two dummy rounds for them to use to increase the freebore since this is a bolt gun and not constrained by the AR magazine max COAL. Hoping it works out well given some of the responses here. Will post my experience as the project moves along.

 

[Islas82]

I had not seen this thread before tonight. I placed an order for a Tikka shouldered Prefit in .224 Valkyrie back on March 12. Got an email about a week ago saying it was in production. Expecting to hear it is shipping soon. I sent in two dummy rounds for them to use to increase the freebore since this is a bolt gun and not constrained by the AR magazine max COAL. Hoping it works out well given some of the responses here. Will post my experience as the project moves along.

I contacted them on Tuesday to check on progress made to my barrel and action. They said they were having new CNC machines installed and production had stopped for “a few day”.

 

[hypertex]

I have 3 of their barrels: 6XC, 300NM and a .458 Wildcat Chambered myself. Only have 50-60 rounds(XC&NM) down range but I'm not disappointed in their performance at distance. Wish I could shoot on paper at a range, but have to wait until the Covid thing runs it's course. Here's a pic of the 300NM being put on:

 

[S3th]

I called these guys to see if they could do a shouldered prefit for a Curtis Axiom. I was told I would have to send the action in which I do not want to do. The man said to me that they won’t send out any shouldered barrel without them having the action first including the Nucleus that they show they make a shouldered prefit for on the website.

Did you send in your action?

I know it has been a while since your comment but I am in the same boat for my Lone Peak Arms Fuzion. Once they have spun up a barrel with my action in hand, they will be able to offer prefits.

 

[Chickentoast]

I contacted them on Tuesday to check on progress made to my barrel and action. They said they were having new CNC machines installed and production had stopped for “a few day”.

Please keep us updated - they seem to have a lot of reamers, most recently the Sherman wildcats - and they also seem to be standing behind their stuff. Hopefully the issues they're having are anecdotal / due to growing pains. Also wish they'd go longer than 27" - maybe with those new CNC machines.

 

[snbyiggidy1]

Got the email today that the barrel is on its way. Should be here Friday. This was after a personal call from PBB yesterday to let me know it was done and to give me the specs for my chamber since I asked for some extra freebore. Looking forward ro finishing up my build and how well the barrel preforms.

 

[Islas82]

Ok got an email today from UPS and it seems like the barreled action should be here today. Ill let you guys know.

 

[Islas82]

Ok got the the action and barrel back! It looks good from what I can see, cant wait to see how it performs, hopefully it was worth the wait. I would say my only complaint was the packaging, wish they would of done a better job but nothing seems to have gotten banged around. Next week should be range day, Ill post what I see.

 

[S3th]

Ok got the the action and barrel back! It looks good from what I can see, cant wait to see how it performs, hopefully it was worth the wait. I would say my only complaint was the packaging, wish they would of done a better job but nothing seems to have gotten banged around. Next week should be range day, Ill post what I see.

Your action already had that "damage", right? lol

 

[Islas82]

Your action already had that "damage", right? lol

Yea it did lol. You would of heard about it if it didn’t.

 

[snbyiggidy1]

Mine arrived today also. Looks very good. A little too busy to bet to swapping the barrel out yet but here are a few pictures of the barrel. Quality looks good. Looking forward to getting it installed.

 

[GARFIO]

I’m planing ordering one soon, I have a tikka t3x .308 1:11 24” factory barrel, I got curious about swapping it for a lower twist rate and length, and based on your experience ill be thankful to get all the info you can provide. My first question should i go fixed shoulder or variable shoulder? Second I was planing on trying 1:8 twist 16” so I can stabilize heavy subs and 178-208 supersonics. I’m i gonna get pressure signs or waist long range accuracy by not achieving high speeds? I usually hunt Small game up to 300yrd with subs and 600-1000 yards with SuperSonics For the medium to large game. So the reason to go with a short barrel is to be able to walk as compact as posible trough trees to reach the blind. Once in the blind I rest the rifle tripod or barricade so i don’t worry about a heavy barrel, also both supers and subs I always shoot suppressed. Thanks for your help.

 

[6cmShooter]

My 224 valkyrie for my nucleus came back from having the threads fixed on it and it fits perfectly cant wait to shoot it Sunday.

 

[S3th]

Looks like they increased their base pricing from $325 to $360.

 

[snbyiggidy1]

I’m planing ordering one soon, I have a tikka t3x .308 1:11 24” factory barrel, I got curious about swapping it for a lower twist rate and length, and based on your experience ill be thankful to get all the info you can provide. My first question should i go fixed shoulder or variable shoulder? Second I was planing on trying 1:8 twist 14” so I can stabilize heavy subs and 178-208 supersonics. I’m i gonna get pressure signs or waist long range accuracy by not achieving high speeds? I usually hunt Small game up to 300yrd with subs and 600-1000 yards with SuperSonics For the medium to large game. So the reason to go with a short barrel is to be able to walk as compact as posible trough trees to reach the blind. Once in the blind I rest the rifle tripod or barricade so i don’t worry about a heavy barrel, also both supers and subs I always shoot suppressed. Thanks for your help.

I purchased a shouldered Barrel Prefit for Tikka but have not had a chance to see how it fits yet and it will be a little while before I can get to it. I will post up my experience with it along the way. As for the other questions I hope someone else can chime in I am not sure on .308 speeds and pressure.

My 224 valkyrie for my nucleus came back from having the threads fixed on it and it fits perfectly cant wait to shoot it Sunday.

Looking forward to hearing how your Valkyrie barrel shoots as that is what mine is. Hoping for great.

 

[6cmShooter]

I purchased a shouldered Barrel Prefit for Tikka but have not had a chance to see how it fits yet and it will be a little while before I can get to it. I will post up my experience with it along the way. As for the other questions I hope someone else can chime in I am not sure on .308 speeds and pressure.



Looking forward to hearing how your Valkyrie barrel shoots as that is what mine is. Hoping for great.

I will know tomorrow when I take it out

 

[0altern8]

Got an email from PBB my barrel had finished the production process and would ship soon, few hours later, got shipping notice with tracking number. Barrel should be here on Cinco de Mayo (5 May 2020). I ordered my barrel on 13 March 2020 (Friday), so that is 7 weeks. All things considered, variation in barrel orders vs what they have in stock and the hole COVID-19 thing I am pleased. Another week or two and I would have shot them email to check in on my order. Now the fun begins.

 

[DRichardson]

Mine arrived today also. Looks very good. A little too busy to bet to swapping the barrel out yet but here are a few pictures of the barrel. Quality looks good. Looking forward to getting it installed.

What profile and length did you get ?

 

[Islas82]

Ok took the barrel out today. I was pleased by the results and shows promise after the first 20 rounds.

first 2 groups are factory 6.5 grendel Hornady american gunner 123 gr BTHP average was 2492fps

second 2 groups were factory 6.5 grendel Hornady black 123gr ELD average was 2531fps

5 shot groups shot at 100yrd, was very happy that the cheaper ammo shot tighter, first group would of been great but I pulled one shot (3rd) wind was gusting 6-12 mph or so.

 

[snbyiggidy1]

What profile and length did you get ?

It is a 26 inch medium Palma. 1:7 twist.

 

[BoulderE89]

I know it has been a while since your comment but I am in the same boat for my Lone Peak Arms Fuzion. Once they have spun up a barrel with my action in hand, they will be able to offer prefits.

Funny enough I just got a fuzion and I live near PBB so I dropped off my action for them to confirm dimensions and threading for a 6 GT barrel they are spinning up for me. So hopefully that’ll help you if you haven’t already sent in your action. Bummer about the extended wait times Cause of covid, but can’t wait to have it in hand and do some testing. They even agreed to laser a picture of joe exotic on the barrel for my 6 gay tiger

 

[Islas82]

Got my barreled action in on Friday and took it out today. I was pleased by the results and shows promise after the first 20 rounds.

first 2 groups are factory 6.5 grendel Hornady american gunner 123 gr BTHP average was 2492fps

second 2 groups were factory 6.5 grendel Hornady black 123gr ELD average was 2531fps

5 shot groups shot at 100yrd, was very happy that the cheaper ammo shot tighter, first group would of been great but I pulled one shot (3rd) wind was gusting 6-12 mph or so.

 

[S3th]

Funny enough I just got a fuzion and I live near PBB so I dropped off my action for them to confirm dimensions and threading for a 6 GT barrel they are spinning up for me. So hopefully that’ll help you if you haven’t already sent in your action. Bummer about the extended wait times Cause of covid, but can’t wait to have it in hand and do some testing. They even agreed to laser a picture of joe exotic on the barrel for my 6 gay tiger

Nice! I haven't shipped mine so maybe I'll wait

 

[Baddog 0302]

What rifling do they use in their barrels ? I see most of you order SS, but one has a cm bead blasted Bbl., anyone else with a cm barrel ?

 

[DRichardson]

I was kind of wondering the same thing. In 6mm they only offer 3R rifling which is sort of odd. Any one have a 6mm variant that can give an idea on the 3R performance vs say a traditional or 5R?

 

[Baddog 0302]

I was kind of wondering the same thing. In 6mm they only offer 3R rifling which is sort of odd. Any one have a 6mm variant that can give an idea on the 3R performance vs say a traditional or 5R?

Looking at their choices the 3R is the only one offered for 6 MM barrels. The 6.5, 7MM and 30 Cal. barrels all have 5R rifling.
I , too would like to hear from those that have their 6MM barrels

 

[BoulderE89]

Looking at their choices the 3R is the only one offered for 6 MM barrels. The 6.5, 7MM and 30 Cal. barrels all have 5R rifling.
I , too would like to hear from those that have their 6MM barrels

Is the diameter too small to fit 5 in? What’s the disadvantage of it?

 

[LawnMM]

I dropped off my action for them to confirm dimensions and threading for a 6 GT barrel

 

[BoulderE89]

View attachment 7316069

How I felt after buying all the parts for my new GT build

 

[Baddog 0302]

VERY GOOD, you'll can report back how the 3 R rifling preforms

 

[DRichardson]

Anybody got any prefits from them recently? What was your wait time? I just ordered a bighorn origin prefit, .900 straight tapper 1:7 in 6mm creedmoor. Just trying to get an idea of the lead time on their site is realistic or not. They're showing 5-6 weeks now.

 

[snbyiggidy1]

I got mine around the first of May. Was ordered March 11. So about 7 weeks. Was for a Tikka Prefit.

 

[woogie_man]

Just threw some rounds together to try the barrel out.

17" barrel 6.5 creedmoor
Thunderbeast CB7
Howa 1500
Vortex PST-2

72° fairly sunny
15-20 mph winds coming from the 2:00 direction