22-250AI Barrel Suggestions

[GRG]

I've been thinking about doing a 22-250AI for quite a while and was kind of stuck on what OEM action to work off of. I had one years ago on a Parker Hale 22-250 rechambered by an old German gunsmith and I just loved it, all the brass etc still here. I have been running through threads here and other sites but this is my first post asking about it and only second post on the site in 4 years.

I've decided to use a 788 in .308 I have sitting but never use. I've measured everything and the magazine will allow me to run 88's with room to spare with the round seated so that the top of the boatail is even with the bottom of the neck. My goal is to shoot out to 800 and possibly a little more at a few places so upper 60's and higher will be the bullet weight of choice. I plan on clambering then playing with the throat length and working it out starting with the lower bullets to high. It will be a project for me to play with and if I end up going to far I will set it back and go to what I liked best.

I believe a 1-8" twist is where I want to be but really haven't decided on the barrel maker and length. This will be a play and hunting rifle so dont know that I really want to go 26" or more. If I do go 26" I think I will have room to set it back if not happy with what I have done. I'm not concerned with triggers as I have already learned to address that by modifying the original as well as a couple of aftermarket triggers sitting here. Stock wise I have a style I really like and have built several so I'm covered there as well.

Im really not interested in talking about a Creed, Valkrye or anything else, nothing wrong with them but just not what I want. I like the Ackley as factory ammo always shoots good but I do reload so not an issue. If anyone has a suggestion on a moderately priced barrel I would love to hear it. Also if you have strong opposition to the 788 action but I am familiar with it and think it can do everything I want. I'm not opposed to a prefit barrel and have even thought about a Remage barrel to run both a fast and medium twist barrel easily, just not sure what companies build for the 788. As I said its a project and so dont mind doing the work myself. I can build the stock to fit the barrel nut if going that route.
I've attached a picture of my ammo dimensions as well as mag and loaded round.
Thanks for any help and I love the info on this site.

 

[Deputy819]

I'm not opposed to a prefit barrel and have even thought about a Remage barrel to run both a fast and medium twist barrel easily, just not sure what companies build for the 788.

Give Pac Nor a call...

Prefit – Pac-Nor Barreling –

 

[North Idaho Hunter]

When "budget" barrel comes to mind x-caliber would be my first call.

I have had quite a few of them, they all shot lights out, cleaned up well, all sped up predictably around same round count. They bore Scope good - win win.

 

[GRG]

Thanks guys, my budget would be about $500 for a pre-fit and naturally less for contoured barrel blank.

I have already looked at the Pac Nor site and sent an email with questions, they look right in line with what I was thinking. I will look at X-Caliber next.

Thanks again.

 

[North Idaho Hunter]

@GRG xcaliber offers prefits as well - 2 to 3 month lead time last time i checked.

 

[budlight]

These come in 27 inch. I have a couple of nice AI's not 22-250 though.

Shaw Barrels

Shaw Barrels

www.shawcustombarrels.com

Centerfire Barrels - Lilja

A proper break-in will help ensure that your barrel will clean easily in the future and that you will achieve maximum performance. Follow these steps.

riflebarrels.com

 

[shortgrass]

Nothing says that a 'new' .22/250 AI chamber will be compatible with brass that you already have! A Shilen Match barrel blank @ around $300 (including shipping), and a fit & chamber job for under $300 would be my choice. Shilen offers a 7.5 twist in .224, which is what I'd think you'd want for a 88g length bullet. I'd say from my own practical experience that 800yds + with any .22CF is pretty optimistic. I'll go ahead and point out that I have several clients that are using 1-7 twist barrels with excellent results shooting 55g bullets. So, that 'tight' twist doesn't completely rule out the 'lighter' bullets.

 

[GRG]

I do have a Shaw barrel that has been a good barrel so had not ruled them out. I have also had Shilin, Lilja, Green Mountain and Douglas in a mixture of other CF and Rimfires. Only had one really bad barrel which was a Shilin but I think it was an oddball and would not judge the company by it.

Snodgrass, I know that my brass will need to be sized and worked up for this rifle but it is at least already fireformed. Also as far as shooting the light bullets I agree. If the barrel I do shoots them well I won't hesitate to have lighter loads worked up as well. I do plan on lengthening the throat so that may effect this one.

It does look like a pre-fit Pac Nor would be about $500 and a short threaded barrel would be right under $300.

Once again I appreciate the help.

 

[Jonoton]

Following with interest. I have a 788 in 308 I have thought about rebarreling to 22-250 AI as well, for heavy bullets. I do believe the 788 has different barrel threads and tenon length than a 700, complicating the prefit avenue.

Edit : I see bow that PacNor lists the 788 as a prefit option! That uncomplicated things a bit

 

[GRG]

Pac Nor is one of the few that I have found with the 788 listed as being a receiver they do. The others may do them but will have to call.

 

[waspocrew]

I've got an X-caliber 1:8 twist 22-250 AI Savage style prefit that shoots fantastic. Great barrel for the price. Fireforming loads are extremely accurate. I went with a 26" varmint profile, but it was HEAVY. Recently had Longrifles Inc cut it down to 22", thread 5/8-24, toss a thread protector on, and cerakote.

22-250 AI is a great round!

If you choose not to go with a pre-fit, I'd have LRI chamber and install a Bartlein, Rock Creek, or Proof.

 

[Jud96]

I would go with a premium barrel from Shilen, Bartlein, Brux, Krieger, etc and have a good smith install it. You'll be around $600 total, but it will be a tack driver and put together right. If you want to do a prefit then get a Criterion or Shilen from Northland Shooter Supply.

 

[shortgrass]

I do have a Shaw barrel that has been a good barrel so had not ruled them out. I have also had Shilin, Lilja, Green Mountain and Douglas in a mixture of other CF and Rimfires. Only had one really bad barrel which was a Shilin but I think it was an oddball and would not judge the company by it.

Snodgrass, I know that my brass will need to be sized and worked up for this rifle but it is at least already fireformed. Also as far as shooting the light bullets I agree. If the barrel I do shoots them well I won't hesitate to have lighter loads worked up as well. I do plan on lengthening the throat so that may effect this one.

It does look like a pre-fit Pac Nor would be about $500 and a short threaded barrel would be right under $300.

Once again I appreciate the help.

I have seen too many times where brass from another chamber, even after it has been full re-sized, not fit a 'new' chamber. The .22/250 has never been fully 'standardized'. The only 'standard' has been P.O. Ackleys'. Good Luck with your "project'.

 

[Cutback]

If your interested, I have a Shilen select match, stainless, heavy varmint, in .22-250AI, 1-8 twist, 27 1/4" with Kregg Slack muzzle Brake. I had it throated for 75 gr. A-max and 80 gr Bergers. Shot well (.2-.4) with 151 round count. All work performed by Kregg Slack. $300 shipped TYD ( off of my accurized Rem 700 SA so, threads are .010 over (IIRC)