REMINGTONJIM: My Remington XR-100 in caliber 22-250 Remington is all factory stock and wears a Leupold 8.5x25 variable scope - it is VERY accurate for a stock factory Rifle, IMO.
The largest group (5 shots at 100 yards) I have ever shot with it measures .751"!
This includes ALL load testing and sight in verification groups I have fired to date.
The smallest group (5 shots at 100 yards) I have shot to date with this Rifle measured .397" - this was done with Varmint quality bullets.
I hesitate to give a broad based opinion on XR-100 barrels "in general" even though I have had a modicum of experience with them.
Two reasons for this.
#1: Is the fact "the guy" you bought the barrel from had a reason for replacing the barrel?
The only reason I have ever replaced a barrel on a Varminter is because accuracy was, or became, lacking!
Did you ask "the guy" you bought it from why he was swapping it out?
#2: I own 3 other XR-100 Rifles (one in 223 Remington and two in 204 Ruger) and they all shoot VERY well IMO - but each barrel/Rifle is an individual and I would hate to give you a rousing or glowing opinion on them and then have your barrel be not up to snuff.
By the way my Remington XR-100 in 223 Remington accounted for the smallest group (five shots at 100 yards) that I have ever fired with a factory stock (non-40X Remington) Rifle.
That group measured .121"!
So even though I am VERY tempted to give you a glowing report/opinon on Remingtons XR-100 barrels, I won't.
I will wish you the best of luck with your project and based on ALL the Remington bolt action Rifles I have shot over the last half century I am sure you will more than likely be happy with the accuracy you obtain with this barrel.
I have only owned one Remington 700 SPS-V in caliber 22-250 Remington and it is relatively new to me - I am still doing load development with it and it wears a 36 power scope for testing.
My best group to date with it so far, measured .420".
Again best of luck to you on this project.
Be sure and keep us advised of your progress.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy
P.S.: I just noticed your original posting mentioned the take-off XR-100 barrel in question was "new" - seeings they quit making these Rifles about 3 years ago and they were new back in 2,004 or so - I am mildly skeptical if indeed this barrel has NOT been fired.
It could be but with the value and prices these XR-100's have today I would be puzzled why someone would remove ones barrel without having at least test fired it?
Again best of luck to you.
