Gunsmithing Shilen's Ratchet Rifling

para1505

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 20, 2010
699
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Columbia MO area
Has anyone tried one of these barrels
Screenshot_20181106-071346_Chrome.jpg
Screenshot_20181106-071346_Chrome.jpg
 
I would not be an early adopter. If they start beating other systems in matches and proving that they are better over time then I would consider it. But for now it just looks wrong, like the bullet won't be shaped right to fly right.
 
Our service rifle team uses Shilen ratchet barrels. I set a national record at Camp Perry with one of their 8T ratchet barrels in 2016, and I know there have been matches won with them since then. We worked with them over the last year or so on a 7.5T ratchet .224 barrel, and during prototype testing we found them to be very accurate and clean up really easy, same as the 8T ratchets. Also in longevity testing they are holding up extremely well and are maintaining match grade accuracy at 3000+ rounds.
 
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Old News.

ETA: Rifling profile doesn't really matter for accuracy. All of them will shoot. What matters more is consistent, if not slightly progressive twist, and dimensional and stress relief quality.

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Shilen roots are from the benchrest wienies....been around for some time....the ratchet cut allows the driven side to be engaged and not the un-driven side of the projo.....making it able to attain a slippery ride down range
 
Rifling profile doesn't really matter for accuracy. All of them will shoot. What matters more is consistent, if not slightly progressive twist, and dimensional and stress relief quality.

Of course you're right but you wouldn't think so considering all the mouth breather questions about which is the "best twist for accuracy" give X, Y, or Z bullet yet giving zero weight to the factors you mention.