barrel suggestions for a Swede

[koivu]

I've got a 1917 Swede that I had customized, new stock, new trigger, new bolt, safety etc.  I had the barrel shortened a couple of inches for new iron sights, although I ended up scoping it.   It shoots ok (I'm still working on it).  If I can't get it up to where I would like it to be shooting I may consider putting a new barrel on it.  (One of those projects that keeps growing).  I am just about to get into hand loading so that and some time may fix it, but I would appreciate some opinions on good bang for your buck barrels.  Pardon the pun.  Thanks.

[billy_56081]

Midway sells Adams and Bennet barrels that are great bang forthe buck. If they r in stock.

[mjbgalt]

you can't skimp on barrels, i learned that the hard way. ER Shaw (PA) and I.T.&D Gunsmithing in Ohio both can put a good quality tube on for you for less than $300, that's the best way to go.

no matter what you will end up paying someone $150 or so to put a barrel on. might as well get a decent barrel put on because if you cheap out and it doesn't shoot you are paying $150 again for a new barrel.

i would go with one of those. go to sporterexpress.com and check out the barrels the have there.

-Matt

[billy_56081]

The $89 Adams and Bennet Barrel on my sons 6.5 swede shoots less than an inch and if you look on Midways websight you will see good remarks about all A&B barrels. I also have a 220 swift barrel on my Savage that is an Adams and Bennet and it shoots .5 with 40 grain Btips.

I installed the barrel and finish reamed it myself. Easy project.

[Davemuzz]

Good barrels will give you a new gun!!! Before you go that route, try reloading the 6.5, and seat the bullets closer to the lands. The military barrels have (usually) long throats and you can seat the bullets pretty far out there. This can make a world of difference in the accuracy of your gun.

Give it a try before you trash your current barrel. It may just save you the cost of a new barrel...well....at least for now.

Dave.


BTW, I built a 6.5 Swede with a new Shilen barrel last summer. Man.....can that thing shoot!!!! Here is a 5 shot 140 grain Berger group pic:

[mjbgalt]

i am not knocking anyone's barrel. but you get what you pay for in barrels just like everything else. some have good luck with the A&B's but some also have horrible copper fouling and hard time cleaning them.

lother/walther, shilen, douglas, hart, shaw, etc are great ones.

i have a douglas xx air gauged stainless on my 6.5x55 and it cost me $288 total including the installation.

-Matt

[lazydrifter]

keep watching Gun Broker or some of the other boards.  Some great deals on barrels if your patient.

[StrawHat]

Are you intending to keep the 6.5 cartridge or are you considering a new barrel and new chambering?

E.R.Shaw and Douglas are both good reliable companies for new barrels.

Reboring and rechambering could be a possibility if you are considering a different cartridge and like the barrel contour you presently have.

I believe you can still get military barrels for the Swede rifles.

[Mikey]

koivu:  When you said 'shoots ok', what did you mean?  If your barrel is the original mil-spec barrel do you recall the number on the stock disc which indicated the amount of wear???  I ask because even the #3 barrel on my sporterized M38 puts three factory rounds into one hole from the bench. 

You provided that you added a new stock - is it bedded??  Mine shoots better with a free-floated barrel and bedded action.  I have not yet began reloading for my 6.5 as it is so very accurate with factory ammo and I prefer the Sellier and Bellot 131 gn soft point for my hunting loads or their 140 gn fmj for plinking.

Also, have you checked your barrel or scoped your barrel to see if you have any copper fouling buildup as that will hurt your accuracy; you can often see telltale copper deposits or copper 'streaking' on the rifling is buildup is evident. 

Howsoever, if you feel your barrel is simply shot out I would replace it with another 6.5x55 barrel and not go with any caliber changes.  JMTCW.