machining barrels

[old fart]

Guys - I've been looking for take off barrels in 30 and 6.5 cal for a couple of rifles for my kids , But--- in my search for bench rest barrels and or varmint weight barrels,I have been concerned in re machining these barrels - changing contours , fluting , rechambering etc.basicaly , these used barrels have been stressed and heat treated and Am wondering how these react to the machining processes, I am no machinist , gun smith , really need somme advice - thanks

When you have a barrel recontured or fluted atfer it has been final polished is is said to open the bore up some.

I had a 34" Hart that was 1.5" in diameter recontured by Hart for $50 it was cut down to 26" removing the chambered end and contured to the "sendero" conture.
The gun shoots fine as a 308Win , in the 1/2" range with match ammo , I can't feel any tight or loose spots when I clean it.

[Mysticplayer]

Old Fart, for the money and 'risk' of a used barrel, I would suggest you look at the Adams&Bennett barrels offered through MidwayUSA. They are unlapped buy air guaged and have shot very well for me.

The come in a varmint contour for around $90 or less and are a very straight forward install.

Other companies make similar barrels, ER Shaw, Montana Rifleman, ebay - new stuff. I have bought many used barrels over the years with mixed results. Some have been great, others lousy. However, I have paid for the gunsmith install no matter what the outcome.

With a new barrel, at least one variable is removed.

All of the A&B barrels I have used shot sub MOA (around 1/3 MOA).

Jerry

[chessman]

I second the suggestion of the Adams and Benet. I haven't installed any of them personally, but my dad traded for a Mauser in .22-250 that very litteraly shoots one hole groups at 100 yards. I put 10 shots in one target with it and was EXTREMELY surprised when I waled to the target and found that the hole had only opened up to look like a single shot from a .30 cal. I've been trying to trade Dad out of the rifle, but he just smiles at me and walks away.

[old fart]

Guys - These A&B barrels -sounds like a good Idea , The Rem700 actions ,both short and long are the candidates for these barrels ,can I assume that the 1.200 diameter of the A&B barrels will fit these 700 actions, sorry for being so uninformed on gunsmithing and machining practices - thanks