Savage LRH rebarrel. Last minute thoughts?

300 WM, Savage 111 LRH.

I've exhausted most of my reloading/skill/glass options, and the old beater still just won't shoot at 1 MOA consistently. She's got at least 800 rounds down the second OEM barrel (if they actually replaced it when I sent it in...), so I'm ready to make the jump to "custom".

I've contact Northland Shooter Supply, and am fairly certain I'm going to pull the trigger in the next few days on a Shilen or Criterion. Thought I'd get some last minute opinions.

0) Not switching calibers. I have 300 WM components and experience that couldn't possibly be offset by some tiny performance gain in another setup.

1) Shilen vs Criterion accuracy and QC?

2) Shilen offers "throat to dummy round", which is a huge selling point for the LRH, which has a 3.5" magazine box. My favorite loads are 0.2" off the lands at 3.49" OAL in the OEM barrel, so having a short throat seems like a no brainer. Single loading a hunting rifle goes against the grain.

3) NSS feedback? I've heard good things, but any new information would be great.

4) Other options/vendors I may have missed? My budget is in the $500 range, stainless with a muzzle brake, plus another $100 for installation costs (e.g. go/no-go gauges, barrel nut wrenches, etc).

5) Links to threads/reviews/videos that directly compare or describe the Criterion and Shilen barrels.

Thanks for the help.

NSS is a great company to do business with! I have a 7rm Criteron on a Remage set up and it flat out shoots. I have been around several other Criterion barrels from NSS and they all shoot sub .5moa. Shilen is good to go too. Personally, I'd stick with the 300wm (i'm biased it's my favorite caliber).

If I was doing a Win mag, I would go with a 1-8 twist. Or at least at 1-8.5".

JPD: If I can get 1 MOA ± 0.25 out of the new barrel "all day long". I'm happy.

gohring: 1:8 is too fast I think (This gun already grenades 110 VMAX with 1:10), and can't choose 1:9 from NSS (or most providers). Would have to go true custom and wait months probably. Most calculators show the 200-210 class as well stabilized in 1:10 until the atmosphere gets real dense, and I'll probably never shoot heavier.

entoptics said:

JPD: If I can get 1 MOA ± 0.25 out of the new barrel "all day long". I'm happy.

gohring: 1:8 is too fast I think (This gun already grenades 110 VMAX with 1:10), and can't choose 1:9 from NSS (or most providers). Would have to go true custom and wait months probably. Most calculators show the 200-210 class as well stabilized in 1:10 until the atmosphere gets real dense, and I'll probably never shoot heavier.

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Yea, if no heavies, and using 110 grainers, I agree the 1-10 is better.

NSS is a great vendor I order triggers,barrel nuts and recoil lugs from them. I use Apache gun works for most of my barrel orders. His prices are great and his work is top notch. However lead time is not so great. I typically order early so the wait is no big deal to me. He also throats to a dummy round. Go/no go gauges are $37 or more a piece you can rent them from 4D reamers for like $8 if you won't be swapping barrels a bunch. I think they might rent barrel vices too. Swapping a savage barrel is a snap and my accuracy results afterwards outstanding. Good luck

When headspacing the new barrel, will I need a gauge? Won't a new piece of brass (measured to ensure it's SAAMI sized) be sufficient since it is a belted case?

I've seen guys do that. But for less than 40$ a piece, I would get some gauges.
Maybe someone could lend them to you.

entoptics said:

When headspacing the new barrel, will I need a gauge? Won't a new piece of brass (measured to ensure it's SAAMI sized) be sufficient since it is a belted case?

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I have heard of people doing this including a few Gunsmith's. However I wouldn't, I prefer things done safe and right. Rent the gauge for $8 and you'll be fine. Get the go and no go gauge.