Hells Canyon vs PROOF

I've used two HCA barrels, a 30 cal and a 6.5 cal, both have been very accurate,
I do have a 6.5 cal Proof barrel to try.

the nice thing about a HCA is you can cut it to your exact finish length where as Proof barrels come in 2" length options,
Other than that I've heard nothing but good about both brands.

T3ninja said:

A little late to the conversation, and maybe a bit off topic. But I've emailed HCA for some info and I haven't heard back. After having these same problems on some custom handguns I try to contact and see what kind of responses I get before giving my money away. What's the typical CS like with HCA??

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Usually it is a day or two, but with shot show it might be more.

I went with HCA 30 cal 9 twist 26 in.

I have had a few proofs and they shot good. Just got another one and it was bad barrel. Knew it after 75 rounds. Sent it back, QC confirmed it was a tight muzzle by checking with rods. Sure they have me a new one. But I am out $600 for smith and shipping. I think they crank them out so fast that they don't have any sort of QC to check things before they ship. That was my biggest question. If it took you 10 minutes to check, why not do it before they are sent out. Know a couple other smiths that have a bad bad ones recently. Doesn't take to many and smiths won't want to use them.

T3ninja said:

A little late to the conversation, and maybe a bit off topic. But I've emailed HCA for some info and I haven't heard back. After having these same problems on some custom handguns I try to contact and see what kind of responses I get before giving my money away. What's the typical CS like with HCA??

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Generally communication has been pretty good. A couple times there were delays of a couple days. But often its within 24-36 hours. Mike has been awesome to work with, he had to do some unusual paperwork for me as the barrels were exported to Canada. 3 months after we spoke about it, he remembered every step and export was super smooth as a result. I'll use him again.

I called around to get the scoop from 4 different CF barrel manufacturers. Only two phone calls went to an actual person. In the process, I found out that Proof is in active litigation with Carbon Six.

Proof is cash strong and just got a government grant. That's the second small carbon fiber barrel
Company I have heard of Proof going to court with. They don't even wrap barrels the same. Proof is single strand. And others use sheets of carbon fiber. I'm really surprised as Bartlien or someone else doesn't pick up in the business.

End of the day both make great barrels. I did and will again go with HCA for the fact Mike runs a quality small business and will take the time personally to talk everything through. And deliver a top product.

I know this is an old thread and the OP has probably been resolved but I have a Proof 6.5 barrel and it is a .1 shooter so far. I just recently ordered an HCA barrel in 6.5 for a 6.5 SAUM build. I will report my findings when it's done and I have done load development. The great thing about HCA as another poster mentioned, Mike was VERY patient with me and answered all of my questions and built EXACTLY what I wanted. Proof wouldn't even discuss any custom options.

Hc's blank is a definite minus!

I'd rather chamber a piece of rebar with a hole through it than use a Proof, they've seen enough turds they should have fixed things by now.

Super pleased with the HCAs and shouldering on the carbon where I want to.

..also happy with our Bartlein Carbons. Got several, and one is the new 400 MOD harder stainless on a 7 Allen Mag. They all shoot very well. Just a tad heavier than Proof. Would not be afraid of a Benchmark either

KRL1116 said:

Hc's blank is a definite minus!

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Huh?

bigngreen said:

I'd rather chamber a piece of rebar with a hole through it than use a Proof, they've seen enough turds they should have fixed things by now.

Super pleased with the HCAs and shouldering on the carbon where I want to.

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You want to shouler on the carbon rather than steel?