Proof Research contour vs #5?

[Gobears16]

Looking to build a 6.5 PRC on an M70 action. The McMillan supergrade fiberglass can take up to a #5 contour. I’d like to use a Proof Research light Sendero barrel but not sure it’ll fit. If not I’ll go with a Bartlein 3b or 3? What would you guys go with for a 24in barrel on PRC?

 

[Supersubes]

The sendero light will fit, and be roughly half the weight of a Bartlein #5 at the same length. Significantly more costly for the proof of course. Personal decision for you really.

 

[Gobears16]

Definitely not going with a Bartlein #5. I’d go with a 3 or 3b if the proof research is Bigger than a #5 contour. I just bought the McMillan but want to make sure I’m buying the right contour barrel to fit the stock.... I figure cerakote and flutes on a steel barrel is a wash for the carbon fiber. Help me spend money ‘Hide!!

 

[Supersubes]

I see, I misread. You know what the moneybags option is already!

 

[Gobears16]

Haha but I’d go straight steel if the accuracy is better... I want this rig to be a 70/30 hunting- steel rifle. I want first shot cold bore to be repeatable as my number one priority

 

[5RWill]

The sendero light will fit, and be roughly half the weight of a Bartlein #5 at the same length. Significantly more costly for the proof of course. Personal decision for you really.

Honestly it's not that much more expensive anymore if cerakoting and fluting is in the equation for the steel barrel.

Take dad's 6.5 SAUM i had built for him. Went 3B cerakoted and spiral fluted that added $265 to a $350 blank. And to this day wish i had gone with a sendero lite for $650 because the weight kind of bothers him with the can and bipod.

So i hear the cold bore on the proofs is very repeatable. However friends of mine using them for hunting rifles say they start to walk when they heat up after a couple of shots. I'll find out soon my 7 SS is done with a Proof sendero just gotta get back from coating the shank and muzzle.

 

[Undrgrndprdcts]

Honestly it's not that much more expensive anymore if cerakoting and fluting is in the equation for the steel barrel.

Take dad's 6.5 SAUM i had built for him. Went 3B cerakoted and spiral fluted that added $265 to a $350 blank. And to this day wish i had gone with a sendero lite for $650 because the weight kind of bothers him with the can and bipod.

So i hear the cold bore on the proofs is very repeatable. However friends of mine using them for hunting rifles say they start to walk when they heat up after a couple of shots. I'll find out soon my 7 SS is done with a Proof sendero just gotta get back from coating the shank and muzzle.

I would think the Sendero would walk less (maybe not at all) than a Sendero light?

 

[5RWill]

I would think the Sendero would walk less (maybe not at all) than a Sendero light?

I would guess too. Just going off what I’ve heard from a couple of my friends both extremely good shots and the proofs do hammer but start walking after strings. The other friend i have who’s a pharmacist loves his proofs and uses them as intended hunting all over the place. Idk really like i said I’ll find out. I did a ton of digging and found very few bad reviews on proof.

However I’ll say you don’t see Scott Saterlee, Scott Shreve, or Pat Sinclair using them. I’ve seen people say they aren’t worth it.

 

[Undrgrndprdcts]

I would guess too. Just going off what I’ve heard from a couple of my friends both extremely good shots and the proofs do hammer but start walking after strings. The other friend i have who’s a pharmacist loves his proofs and uses them as intended hunting all over the place. Idk really like i said I’ll find out. I did a ton of digging and found very few bad reviews on proof.

However I’ll say you don’t see Scott Saterlee, Scott Shrieve, or Pat Sinclair using them. I’ve seen people say they aren’t worth it.

I've always wondered what Pats opinion was on them and suppressors. I think I saw a pic of him with a suppressed rifle not long ago.

 

[Supersubes]

Honestly it's not that much more expensive anymore if cerakoting and fluting is in the equation for the steel barrel.

Take dad's 6.5 SAUM i had built for him. Went 3B cerakoted and spiral fluted that added $265 to a $350 blank. And to this day wish i had gone with a sendero lite for $650 because the weight kind of bothers him with the can and bipod.

So i hear the cold bore on the proofs is very repeatable. However friends of mine using them for hunting rifles say they start to walk when they heat up after a couple of shots. I'll find out soon my 7 SS is done with a Proof sendero just gotta get back from coating the shank and muzzle.

I hear ya. For his purpose I’d probably put an un-fluted 2 on it and call it a day.

 

[5RWill]

I hear ya. For his purpose I’d probably put an un-fluted 2 on it and call it a day.

Agreed. The only real scenario a proof aids in is balance and retaining the aesthetics of a thicker barrel without the associated weight. Cold bore is very repeatable from what i'm told but for the most part it wont do anything a #2 or #2b wont.

 

[Undrgrndprdcts]

Agreed. The only real scenario a proof aids in is balance and retaining the aesthetics of a thicker barrel without the associated weight. Cold bore is very repeatable from what i'm told but for the most part it wont do anything a #2 or #2b wont.

I thought they are stiffer and better when hanging a suppressor off the end?

 

[spife7980]

I thought they are stiffer and better when hanging a suppressor off the end?

They are stiffer than a skinnier barrel of the same weight. They are less stiff than a steel barrel of the same diameter.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

I've always wondered what Pats opinion was on them and suppressors. I think I saw a pic of him with a suppressed rifle not long ago.

IIRC over on the campfire Pat said he doesn’t use them because he replaces barrels pretty often, sticks with Bartlein. He posted pics of a bunch of pronghorn, mule deer and elk killed last year with his suppressed 6.5 PRC and the 139 Scenar. I think he’s using a suppressor for his coyote rigs now too, maybe he’ll chime in. @psinclair @Sendero_Man

 

[Undrgrndprdcts]

IIRC over on the campfire Pat said he doesn’t use them because he replaces barrels pretty often, sticks with Bartlein. He posted pics of a bunch of pronghorn, mule deer and elk killed last year with his suppressed 6.5 PRC and the 139 Scenar. I think he’s using a suppressor for his coyote rigs now too, maybe he’ll chime in. @psinclair @Sendero_Man

I would like to see pics and get the specs on that rifle.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

I would like to see pics and get the specs on that rifle.

GAP 6.5 PRC

Finally have some "real time" to work on loads for this new project.... Specs: Templar VII SA(Defiance) Manners MCS-EH1 GAP Dark Camo Bartlein #4, 24" 1-7.5" 5R fluted barrel, 6.5 PRC, .135 FB APA Micro Bastard Gen 2 brake, threaded 9/16X24 Badger M5 ...

www.24hourcampfire.com