Bergara 7mm 08 barrel for Encore

[skarke]

I just received my first Bergara barrel from Natchez in 7mm 08.  These are my observations:

Good

1.  Really nice rifling, lands and grooves that are crisp and shiny.  Way fewer internal tool marks than what I see with my TC products (though all 3 TC barrels are all excellent shooters)
2.  Nice welding and machining.  Similar to the rifling, few tool marks on the locking lug or block.
3.  Very straight barrel.  These are stress relieved and trued, and there is no perceptible bend at all
4.  The chamber is cut very straight, and the throat is centered (really important)
5.  Lock up, pin hole, fit and finish are excellent and tight, with the exception following

Bad

1.  The finish looks like it comes from the factory perfect.  However, the plastic packaging makes the barrel susceptible to damage from handling and shipping.  (Why TC went to the same crappy packaging I'll never know) My barrel definitely sustained damage from rough handling after packaging.  The muzzle end seems to be the most at risk.  GOOD- I called Bergara and spoke with Erik, who was extremely sympathetic, and said that he'd replace it without question.  In fact, he said that if I was ever unhappy with any Bergara product for any reason, they'd stand behind it no questions asked.  That's the way TC used to be, but I'm beginning to hear rumors (only rumors so far) that things such as marginal accuracy aren't covered under TCs warranty.
2.  The finish wasn't damaged bad enough to return, in fact, most people probably wouldn't notice the finish issues.  I'm used to the fabulous finish coming from TC, so I'm picky.

Overall-  This is a very nice barrel.  I'll follow up with a post after I shoot it, but it looks like it has great potential.  I'll also cerrosafe the chamber to provide dimensions when I get a chance.  Considering it was $60 less expensive, if it shoots, I'll buy more.  TCs prices on a stainless barrel aren't much cheaper than a full custom from Coyote Guns, which is a tremendous product. 

Hope this helps 

[Jay HHI6818]

They changed the packaging to save $$$$$$, my guess.
Have you seen their factory tour? Pretty impressive!!!

http://www.bergarabarrels.com/

[muzzleblast525]

Is this a handgun or rifle barrel?

[skarke]

It is a rifle barrel.

New info-  The barrel is a shooter.  Initial load data is as follows:

46 Grains H380 (too hot)
140 Grain Nosler Ballisic Tips
Lapua Brass
Federal LRM primers

First, 46 Grains of H380 in this rig is too hot.  (BTW, this is a very sweet rifle, light and maneuverable, but its lightness lends toward heavier recoil) Signs of pressure included flattening of the primer and cupping of the primer around the firing pin.  I think that this batch of H380 is hot, because I have had to back off of my 22-250 loads a full grain to get similar performance to my last batch (good lesson!!!)  After cleaning, shooting, cleaning, shooting, putting a bandaid on my scope cut (ouch), and following this routine, the barrel really started to settle in.  First groups were an unimpressive 1.5", but after about 20 rounds, and a lessening of the charge, the two last groups dropped into the 9s.  This is without any load workup, neck turning, or other such necessary stuff.  Plus, after a few passes with JB, the bore shined like a custom, and fouling wasn't a problem.  3 Patches of CR10 and I was done (after a little hoppes to get the powder out)

I just bought some Hornady 120s and some H4895 to work up a lower recoiling load, and I'll follow up again.  Also, I've trued the lapua brass (which doesn't need much), and I'll try a little Varget as well.  I'm confident that this barrel will drop into the 5s quickly (can anybody say 4s? We'll see!), and is a real bargain.  I fully recommend them, I think that you'll be pleased.