I just got my target practice rifles back.Both have Gaillard 25 inch barrels with 11-3/4?? twist rates.I had iron sights re-installed on one rifle and holes drilled on the second barrel for easy transfer.I got the barrels cut at 25 so they can feel like those of my hunting rifles,especially my 458 lott.The bedding was redone on both.I can't wait to see what they shoot like.The gunsmith was Jan Kolenbrander from B.C.It was a pleasure dealing with him and even though I've not shot the rifles yet,everything he did was fantastic-no bullshit whatsoever.Here are some pics. [URL= ]a[/URL] [URL= ]b[/URL] [URL= ]c[/URL] [URL= ]d[/URL]

They look like fine rifles.

Now get out and shoot them and post the groups.

It was interesting to read his comments on what the rifles where like before he worked on them especially the state of the bores.He says that he didn't include the shot-out brl's because they would have doubled the shipping costs,that they were both toast and not worth the expenses in his opinion and that if I still wanted the "tomato sticks" shipped,to let him know asap.He goes on to say, "The original barrel was showing extreme and severe throat-cracking up to more than halfway down the bore-something I`ve seen rarely before"

Very nice. I really like the laminated stocks.

Here is the target I shot today.The first four shots strung vertically from the bottom are the shots it took to set my elevation and break in my barrel.The hole way on the bottom,next to my thumb,is the first shot fired from the rifle.The three shots in the bullseye is the first group off the bench.Not bad.Visibility was poor. [URL= ]50yds target off the bench[/URL]

Here is a book I `ve used in the past for barrel break-in and reloading,etc... [URL= ]a[/URL]

I want to see Jan's bedding! Are you up to taking them apart for a photo op?

shootaway,
The book you reference is pretty much considered as one of the better ones for both experienced and new shooters as well, good choice. As for the crazing/cracking up the bore, have access to fiber optic bore inspection equipment and usually such bores come from those shooters over heating the barrels repeatedly. Not uncommon for High Power shooters doing rapid fire within a season of matches. Regardless of mfg. of barrel, get them super hot repeatedly and it will happen. Will say that even those showing such crazing will still shoot fine for a while until throat is eaten away. Nice looking rifles and appears that they will perform well.

[URL= ]a[/URL] [URL= ]b[/URL] [URL= ]c[/URL]

Thanks.

Great idea by the way. Question though. Why not something like a 223?

quote:

Originally posted by Chuck Nelson:
Thanks.

Great idea by the way. Question though. Why not something like a 223?

Hi Chuck.I am sure that there are other cartridges like the 223 that would serve for my needs.I like the 308 alot-very accurate and barrel life is good if kept cool.There is some recoil there too that makes it feel that you are shooting a bigger rifle and the need to handle it.

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:

quote:

Originally posted by Chuck Nelson:
Thanks.

Great idea by the way. Question though. Why not something like a 223?

Hi Chuck.I am sure that there are other cartridges like the 223 that would serve for my needs.I like the 308 alot-very accurate and barrel life is good if kept cool.There is some recoil there too that makes it feel that you are shooting a bigger rifle and the need to handle it.

Makes sense.

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
Gaillard barrels

Nice. How long to do both rifles? What loads are you using in them?

quote:

Originally posted by vip:
Nice. How long to do both rifles? What loads are you using in them?

about 6 months,41grs Varget and 168gr Hornady HPBT-moly coated,Winchester cases and federal primers

I just got back from an indoor range.It was my first time shooting indoors.The firing line was full and everyone was shooting and filling up the tunnel with smoke.There was not that much light and I had to lower my safety glasses so I could see if my sights were aligned properly.The target was a faint orange blur through the smoke and dim lighting.The distance was 60 yds.There was also a pretty woman with her boyfriend shooting in the stall right next to mine.They were shooting what looked like AR rifles with aimpoint sights.I must have shot these rounds in less than 10 minutes and this caused the barrel to start getting hot.I called it a day. [URL= ]60 yds offhand[/URL]

Here is another 50 yd target pic of today`s shooting.Offhand and open sights.I was a little rusty in the beginning and the first string of shots hit outside of the orange. [URL= ]50yds offhand-medium speed fire[/URL]I`ve now shot 200rds from this barrel and got it hot on three occasions.I noticed a little erosion beginning at the throat of the barrel.I had to adjust my sights elevation two times so far because of the changing POI probably caused by the little erosion. VIDEO

Here is another target I shot today.I used my new Wilson hand dies for the loads. [URL= ]March 4[/URL] VIDEO

[URL= ]50yds[/URL] Shot this group today in about 10 minutes.The barrel got too hot to touch.

[URL= ]50yds[/URL] [URL= ]50yds off the bench[/URL] [URL= ]50yd target in video[/URL]

[URL= ]50yds March 18[/URL] [URL= ]video target[/URL] 25 degrees celsius(77 farenheit) today-wow