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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,052 Likes: 6
Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,052 Likes: 6 |
I have a 260 in a 700 VLS. It's only got 300 or so rounds through it and it shoots pretty good but I have an urge to take it to the next level. So, I ordered a Bartlein 5R 1:8.5 twist barrel for it.
I've never had a Bartlein and was wondering if it was a good way to go. I'm also wondering about the 5R vs. standard 4 groove, and if I should have went to a 1:8 instead of the 1:8.5.
I plan to shoot 140 bergers or 142 sierras and may some 130 AB's on occassion.
Bb
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,294
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,294 |
you picked the perfect barrel in the right twist with the proper rifling... am finishing up a heavy right now with that exact barrel in a heavier contour..... they leave absolutely nothing on the table..... dibs on the vls tube woofer
"I would build one again, if it were not for my 350RM (grin)."
MtnHtr
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 28,277
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 28,277 |
BB-to date, I've heard nothing but good about Bartlein tubes, I'd say you'll be very happy.
Dober
"True respect starts with the way you treat others, and it is earned over a lifetime of demonstrating kindness, honor and dignity"....Tony Dungy
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,507
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,507 |
+1 The Bartlein guys build great barrels and are a tremendous source of information. Give them a call and they will get you exactly what you need.
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 44
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 44 |
I have a Bartlein in 7mm Mauser, 5R rifling, 1 in 8 twist, it's a Chrome-Moly #3 profile. I could not be more pleased, they were great to deal with, gave me no hassles about shipping to Australia. It is also the fasted barrel to break-in I have ever had, the first shot showed copper, cleaned it, and it hasn't copped fouled badly since.
David.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,813
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,813 |
Placed a #3 fluted Bartlein on a Mod.70 in .308 1:12. Consistent shooter with just about any load and what I call scary good with what it likes. Right now that is barnes 168ttsx.
As 550J said it cleans fast. I normally clean approx: every 100rd. With the barnes copper cleaner it is a 15min job. I use a nylon brush but not sure it is necessary.
Had to wait around 4months for delivery.
laissez les bons temps rouler
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,052 Likes: 6
Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,052 Likes: 6 |
Thanks,
My new 30-06 just shipped today so I should have it soon. It's got a 24" 1:10 broughton 5c #3 on a ss 700, floated and bedded into an alaskan Ti stock with an xmark trigger at 2.5 #'s. I had the action squared up and the lugs lapped so I hope it shoots. It will be my go to to go anywhere rifle. I should have the 06 figured out by the time the 6.5 tube gets here.
Bb
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 14,473
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 14,473 |
For 140 class bullets my preference is a 1:8" twist.
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,052 Likes: 6
Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,052 Likes: 6 |
I was thinking 1:8 originally but the guys at Bartlien told me I'd be fine with a 1:8.5. I still have time to change my mind. My VLS is a 1:9 and loves 140g matchkings and shoots the berger 140 VLDs fairly well.
I still may change my order to a 1:8 and give myself a little margin. I don't think a half inch twist difference is going to cause any overstabilization problems ( slow me down or destroy jackets) but it might give me a slight advantage the other way.
I do like those long vld type bullets. Plus bergers starting to build the 140's with a thicker jacket and my 260 was never too hard on the old ones.
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 526
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 526 |
As a heads up, the 260 VLS can be a very desirable firearm. If you are set on building a 260, I would recommend selling the VLS, then picking up a used 700 to use as a donor action.
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 14,473
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 14,473 |
Maybe and better yet, just sell the VLS barrel and keep the rest of the rifle. I like the VLS stock and he already has the action.
also,
To go from a 1/9" barrel to a 1/8.5" is not enough of a difference to re-barrel in my estimation.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,512
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,512 |
Great comments above, SU35 is right, If that is your only reason, some Rem bbls shoot well, others not so well.
One thing for sure is a Bartlein is reputable, I have one on order, and a custom bbl, with trued action, SHOULD outshoot a factory 700 setup 9x out of 10 IMHO.
If possible, not too late, personally would do 8 in a heartbeat, on ANY 6.5mm I barrel.
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,128
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,128 |
I have only shot my new Bartlein on a few range trips, but already am very pleased. It doesn't foul very much, cleans up quick and I am feeling it is about as good as my Tikka, which is held in high esteem by me.
If I were building a 6.5 from scratch I would choose the 8.5 twist because I would not be using 160 grain bullets.
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