Custom barrel?

Question

Has any one had a custom barrel put on their gun? Shillen, Hart, etc... Is it worth the money? I have a Rem. BDL Model 700 .270 win. I would like to be able to drive tacks at two hundred. If I have a new barrel put on I will probably re-chamber to a 7mag. What kind of groups can you get at 200 yards?

Answer 1

As Chris H mentioned, there is a whole lot more to it than just getting a custom barrel. Consider that being able to "drive tacks" is a relative term to begin with. What is very good accuracy for a typical deer hunter will be unacceptable for a benchrest competitor. All that aside, let's say you want to be able to shoot groups under an inch at 200 yards, which is ½ MOA, and very do-able. First of all.....YOU will have to be capable of doing that. That's not a knock, but it's a lot more involved than people think it is. Then, your rifle will have to be capable of doing it, which is often a lot easier. Then, your cartridge will have to be capable. My point is that it's the sum of the parts that makes an accurate and precise weapon system, and not just a custom barrel. (and you are one of those parts)

Let's say you are capable, and you just need your equipment upgraded. You buy a top name custom barrel, but now it has to be installed. This is not a job for an amateur gunsmith if you want ½ MOA results. First your action will have to be "blueprinted" (machined to be at the tighest tolerances possible). Then after your barrel and action are mated, you'll have to insure that the stock is capable of holding the action exactly the same way for each and every shot fired, normally achieved by "bedding" the action to the stock. Then you will have to insure that your cartridge fires a projectile (bullet) that is properly matched to the rifling rate-of-twist that you selected when you bought your custom barrel. You'd probably want the trigger either replaced or adjusted so that it breaks crisp, clean, and reproducibly. Now install a good set of sights, or a good scope. Don't skimp on the rings and mounts either. Remember, only as strong as the weakest link, right? Then, go out and shoot when conditions are favorable. You won't consistently shoot ½ MOA on a windy day without a whole lotta trigger time.

In your case, rechambering to 7mm mag. may not be an option since your rifle does not have a magnum boltface. The .270 Win cartridge is .473 inches while the 7mm mag. is .532 inches, so it won't work without another bolt. When you decide to rebarrel, find a good gunsmith, tell him what you would like to end up with when all is done, and take his advice on how to get there.

Answer 2

There's more to accuracy than a good barrel, but having said that there's no chance of good accuracy with a bad barrel. I have had several guns rebarreled, but not a Remington. It is worth finding a good gunsmith, if their work is off then you aren't going to get anywhere. It may also be worth having the gun bedded, it may be essential depending on how the new barrel profile compares to the old. Off the bench you should be able to get around 1 moa, 2" at 200 yards.

Is the action long enough for the 7mm Remington Magnum? I have one but I don't have a 270 to compare it to.

But before you put much money in to it you should have a look at the cost of a brand new rifle. I was looking at Tikka and you might get a whole new rifle for the cost of a rebarreling.

Answer 3

neah