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

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

BB-to date, I've heard nothing but good about Bartlein tubes, I'd say you'll be very happy.

Dober

+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.

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.

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.

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

For 140 class bullets my preference is a 1:8" twist.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.