Which custom barrel should I get? Hart? Krieger? Etc.?

[Zachary]

I have a Remington BDL SS DM (Stainless Synthetic - Detachable Magazine) in .260 Remington and I want to customize this rifle.

I have many aftermarket synthetic stocks on my rifles - notably McMillan and HS Precision.  I have been told that McMillan is the best, but I have also recently been told by a gunsmith that, although HS stocks are good, they tend to be more porus - and thus not as strong as - than McMillan.  He told me, however, that he likes the Bell & Carlson Medalist stock much more than the HS stock.  The medalist is the one that fits is standard on the Weatherby Accumark with the full aluminum bedding block.  In any event, Midway USA had a Medalist on sale so I bought it.  Now for the barrel.....

What do you guys recommend?  Krieger?  Hart?  Lilja?  Etc.?  This rifle will be used for hunting, but accuracy is very important to me.  I was thinking about 24" or 25" barrel, and I think that the contour should be #3 - does that sound right? :?   Will a #3 contour fit the medalist stock?  How many grooves should the barrel have?  What should be the rate of twist? What is the contour of a factory remington barrel in .260?So far, it seems that Krieger is the most expensive, followed by Hart and Lilja - not necessarily in that order.  I understand that Douglas is much less expensive, but I don't want to go too cheap.  After all, you do get what you pay for.

So what do you guys think?  And where should I buy the barrel - direct from the manufacturer?

Thanks in advance,

Zachary

[longwinters]

Now Zachery, I thought you were going to cool down for a while? And not be making any more rifle purchases.:lol: I never had an itch for a custom rifle . . . but now you have me thinking.  And I can't afford to think those thoughts. $$$$$$  

long

[gunnut69]

I've had excellant luck with Shilen barrels.  They are a bit cheaper and have always shot very well for me.  I've also had very good luck with Douglas.  They may not shoot as well as Lilja/Krieger etc. but are way cheaper and will shoot better than any hunting rifle in my hands ever will..   Use the saved money for more shooting or a better scope..

[Dr. Michael]

Lothar walther barrels. If it is a hunting rig, I have found that the lothar barrels are exceptional. To the point that I prefer them for rimfires over any other barrel maker on my BR guns. The turn around time is faster than most as well. As for the others. Hart, Lilja, Kreiger, are all on par with each other. Shilen has been falling from grace with me over the last 5-6 barrels, email me direct as I will not publicly post negative experiences about an exceptional company.

Doc