When do you know you’re gonna rebarrel?

Inky Doc said:

Feenix and Rich Coyle, I understand and agree with your answer but I was asking a different question. I'm looking for pre-emptive input, I would value your opinions greatly if you have time.

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My response remains the same, "IF" it does not my meet my expectations, I re-barrel it There is no need to subject myself to any frustrations after I've done all the checks that most of us do and load developments. Most often than not, I buy a factory rifle for the action and re-barrel as required.

ShtrRdy said:

If I bought a factory gun and just used it as is, I would first try to find a load it liked. Using a Sierra Match King bullet is a good first choice to try. These bullets tend to work well and are usually easy to develop a load for.

If I couldn't find a load that works, and I didn't mind the stock, I would bed the action and try load development again. I would also replace the trigger if I didn't like the original.

If that doesn't help I would replace the barrel.

As an example, I have a Tikka T3 Varmint model in 22-250. After load development that thing shoots 1/4 moa groups just the way it came. Many times I'll think about changing the stock but then I'll remind myself how well it shoots.

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^^^This is the type of wisdom I was seeking and creates a reasonable plan for me. Thank you, and thank you to all that replied.

Merry Christmas!

FEENIX said:

My response remains the same, "IF" it does not my meet my expectations, I re-barrel it There is no need to subject myself to any frustrations after I've done all the checks that most of us do and load developments. Most often than not, I buy a factory rifle for the action and re-barrel as required.

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Same here.

I purchased a Rem 700 SPS chambered i n 7STW a few years ago. I didn't expect much from it, and figured I would be putting a new barrel on it fairly quickly. I changed out the stock to a HS Precision and to my surprise, it was an absolute tack driver. Shot it so much I had a new barrel put on it last year, and it's even more of a tack driver now. How I knew I had torched the barrel was my pet loads didn't group like they should. A bore scope quickly verified the barrel was toast.
The 6.5 Creed should be very accurate in the factory rifle you have, especially if you hand load for it. Change out the stock for sure. If it's not giving you at least 0.75 moa, then I'd say you need a new barrel. But, you may be pleasantly surprised like I was, and get to shoot your current barrel until it loses it's accuracy.

Inky Doc said:

~500 on the range and maybe 300 on game.

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Based on this statement? Probably could shoot that gun for a lifetime without re-barreling.