More help with the rifle decision.

[6mm Remington]

If I have to get a Winchester Model 70 in 30-06 or something similar for that rifle build I want to do and make it into a .280 Remington, what barrel do you think you might go with? I know I want it 24" and the same contour that Winchester uses for that length of barrel in their Model 70's would be perfect.

So I have a couple ideas but as far as the whole barrel business you folks are heads and shoulders above me as far as knowledge about a good barrel maker. Here are a couple that come to mind that I have heard and read good things about.

Shilen
Lilja
Pacnor
Benchmark
Kreiger

Can you help me out with this selection also and the barrel makers you folks like and have had good success with? Thanks again.
David

 

[woods]

Any of those is good

I have rebarreled with

Douglas XX
Hart
Brux
Pac-Nor 3 groove

They are all better shooters than I am but when I rebarreling the next rifle into a 243AI, I am leaning toward the Pac-Nor 3 groove. The one I have is fast and never fouls, did not need any break in

More important than the barrel manufacturer is the quality of gunsmithing you get

 

[DrMike]

More important than the barrel manufacturer is the quality of gunsmithing you get

Well said, Woods. I've used Hart, Pac-Nor and Wilson. All produced excellent rifles. I've shot other rifles built with Shilen and Kreiger barrels. Each shot wonderfully tiny groups. I don't believe you could go wrong with any of those barrels, David.

 

[muleman]

Welcome back David!
How about a different idea that would be a whole lot cheaper. Buy a Model 70 sporter(24"barrel) and have it rebored to .284 and/or even have it rechambered to a 280AI. I bet the whole thing would cost less than $1200. Of course that kind of money would get you into a Kimber or MRC.
I have had good luck with Douglasxx and Pac-nor barrels.

Scott

 

[DrMike]

FWIW, Scott's suggestion is what I did when building my 9.3X64. I bought a new Winchester Sporter, replaced the barrel with an appropriate barrel, rebored the chamber and "Voila," I was sporting a new 9.3X64. I sure do like it. Building a .280 would be a snap.

 

[Oldtrader3]

David, Winchester made the .280 in both the Featherweight and in the Sporter for at least a couple of years in the 1980's. Maybe you could find a .280 barrel which was removed from a Model 70 back then? Browning bought all of USRAC's inventory in 2005. I have had some luck calling their customer service in Utah and getting old parts.

 

[gerry]

You have gotten some good advice, all of those brands are excellent. Scott has a good idea to look into, something like a 25-06 or maybe even a 270 Win could be rebored. Not sure how hard it would be to turn a 277 bore into a 284 one but I'm sure someone here knows.

 

[muleman]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =382610586
Rebore this one and I think you'll be in fine shape!

Scott

 

[Oldtrader3]

To go up one caliber, from .277 to .284, subtracting the .003+ per side of groove diameter, only leaves .0005 per side material and boring rod misalignment. IMHO, that may not be enough material removal to get a straight barrel with no chips dug out from boring bar misalignment or hardness variations?

I am not a toolmaker so if I am mistaken, let me know. Personally I would not attempt it.

 

[gerry]

To go up one caliber, from .277 to .284, subtracting the .003+ per side of groove diameter, only leaves .0005 per side material and boring rod misalignment. IMHO, that may not be enough material removal to get a straight barrel with no chips dug out from boring bar misalignment or hardness variations?

I am not a toolmaker so if I am mistaken, let me know. Personally I would not attempt it.

That's what I was wondering but you stated it much better. A 25-06 would work for sure.

 

[Oldtrader3]

For sure!

 

[EOD Diver]

Sounds like you're getting a lot closer to this build buddy!
Joe

 

[sask boy]

David, I have only used 1 custom barrel & that is a PacNor. My 35 is built on a 24" & is all that I hoped it would be. So my 280AI is also a PacNor but on a 26" :wink:
I believe all the barrels mentioned are top notch & you wouldn't hurt yourself with any of them!!

Blessings,
Dan

 

[EOD Diver]

David,
Merry Christmas buddy. Found any donors for this project yet? You thinking about a rebore or a custom barrel at this point? As I recall, you were leaning toward a .280 M70 in coated stainless steel. You thinking wood or synthetic for this backcountry bad boy? Got a target weight on this rig and a scope you're thinking about running? Man, putting a rifle together in your head is a hoot!
Joe

 

[IdahoCTD]

The best barrels I've used lately have been Bartlein but I'd buy a Schneider or a Kreiger too. I disagree about the gunsmith comment a bit as I believe that the vast majority (95+%) of a rifles accuracy comes from the barrel. Believe it or not it's pretty hard to make a accurate barrel inaccurate. I've seen them chambered in a 3 jaw chuck (not dialed in) and shoot 1/4" groups. I started building rifles using the tailstock to push reamers in (and the tailstock was off) needless to say I had chambers that were .003-.004" oversized in the back and they still shot sub 1/2" groups. Barrels are quite forgiving on how they are chambered and still maintaining their accuracy.

I'd do a .280AI if it was me just to save on trimming brass if nothing else.

 

[6mm Remington]

David,
Man, putting a rifle together in your head is a hoot!
Joe

I knew something was going on there. :lol: I do appreciate all the ideas. I'm still looking and thinking on how I want to do this. I do feel that instead of a re-chamber on something that I will go with a custom barrel. I'd want to have the action trued up and the lugs lapped.

 

[Guy Miner]

Seems like a good plan David, & Merry Christmas!

 

[gerry]

Yep, you should definitely go with what you have in your head so you won't be disappointed. That's how the 35 Whelen came together for me and it turned out perfect.

 

[ajvigs]

Why not get a Montana 1999 chambered in 280? I have one in 7mm08 and it is AWESOME.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =383562481

 

[sask boy]

I have to agree with the guys go with what you want to put together then it is all yours. It is fun though to get the ideas from this forum because we all have our own thoughts but most of all we want everyone to prosper and that is great!!!

Blessings,
Dan