Bittersweet day at the range

[dsnook]

Finally got out to the range Sunday. Got the new Burris dialed in on my compact mag. Then proceeded to test some loads with the 215 gr sgk. The Ruger liked them and rewarded me with 1" groups!
Shot the .280 next, and it appears that I damaged the barrel on my last cleaning episode...I couldn't keep it inside of 3" with known loads. I deep cleaned it the week end before last and I found a worn spot on my bore brush after cleaning.
So, I may have to re-barrel it. I'll probably try fire lapping first, but if that don't improve it, I'll be shopping for a barrel.
I am budget minded, so who makes a good barrel that wont get me in trouble with mama?

D

 

[Dwh7271]

IMO, I would find out what the smith you use likes. Most have some preference if questioned.
Another thought is the difference between a "budget"barrel and really good barrel is 200 or less. I realize that seems a lot but you're probably going to be happier spending the extra. JMO.

 

[DrMike]

What type of cleaning were you doing that would damage a barrel that badly in one session. I'm assuredly not against swapping barrels on a rifle, but I do believe I'd want to verify that it was necessary.

 

[JD338]

I've got a Remington M700 Classic 280 Rem take off barrel that may work. It shot 140 gr BT PT and 160 gr PT bullets well under MOA.

JD338

 

[Tjay]

It might just shoot better with a lot of copper in the barrel. The other option is have the gunsmith bore scope on the barrel and know if you did damage the barrel.

 

[Whitesheep]

Unless your really wanting a new barrel Tjay has a very good suggestion. Also, a friend of mine has a rifle that actually likes a good coating of copper. If he cleans it entirely of copper it takes about 20 rounds for it to gain the good accuracy it is capable of. Therefore you may just need to leave the copper in it, or at most not remove all of it.

 

[dsnook]

One of my co-workers has an inspection camera with a tip that will fit my bore. I'll take a look down the barrel. My elk hunting buddy said his .300 wm will not shoot clean either. So I'll take her back out to the range with a box of factory loads I need to burn up and see what happens...that is if I don't find any damage in the bore.

D