Gunsmithing Shilen's Ratchet Rifling

[para1505]

Has anyone tried one of these barrels

 

[diverdon]

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.

 

[padom]

It's been around for a while now. I have a 20" Rainier Ultramatch 223 Wylde from back when they were using Shilen blanks with ratchet rifling. It's one of the most accurate AR15 barrels I've owned..

 

[308pirate]

Cool, another thing to obsess about.

 

[lte82]

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.

 

[Mike Casselton]

I've got one from back circa 1999 chambered in a tight neck 6BR.
It's a hammer and easy to clean.
Not new technology, but I like them

 

[briang7511]

I have one on a 260 and its been better than some of the other brands i have tried. i have had several kriegers and they have been awesome.

 

[Supersubes]

He’s been making those for forever! With regard to best quality barrels, I haven’t run into a land profile or land count that wouldn’t shoot.

 

[Ledzep]

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.

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

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

 

[308pirate]

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.

 

[para1505]

Thanks for the info fellow shooters

 

[steve123]

I wonder if this rifling is easier on jackets, especially with the 90 grain 224 bullets???

 

[Holland375]

It is used a lot in 22 rf benchrest.