GLC,

I have 4 Kriegers and am expecting another to be delivered in the next few weeks. I have built the stocks for another 15 or so and test fired them or was involved with the break-in of the barrels. I have not had a Lilja, but have tried others. I will pay what ever the price is for a Krieger. They will totally spoil you. I am the "poster boy" for Krieger Annonymous. My latest Krieger, (fix), is a 223 that I shot a five shot group measuring .196. My 223, 22-250, 243, 300winmg will all shoot in the 2s.
The only problem with them is they are really cold when you first get into bed with them, but if you can get the wife to go to bed a little before you do, she kinda takes the chill off them for you.

Later, pdhntr

All three of your listed barrels are excellent quality and I have used them with success over the years..Today my favorite barrel is Lother Walther on all my hunting rifles and thats not apt to change....

All barrel-makers turn out both "hummers" & "bummers". The percentages of hummers and bummers do vary from maker to maker, though. The really top tier probably produces about 3-5% "hummers", 85% good barrels, some "not-so-good", and very, very few "bummers". The second tier probably produces as many "hummers" as the top makers, but also produces substantially more "bummers". The third tier on down produce hummers very rarely, and bummers more often than I'd care to chance. So the question really is, "From which maker am I most likely to get a "hummer"?



From my 10 years of BR experience, including winning 4 different aggregates at the US Nationals and observing a hell of a lot of other shooters, I'd rank Hart, Krieger, & Lilja as most likely to give you a hummer instead of a bummer amongst current makers. Second tier I would list as Douglas, Shilen & PacNor. Other individual makers produce hummers occasionally, but how often can you count on getting one?



If they were still in business, I'd list A&M in the top tier also, as well as J. Hall Sharon and Mr. Buhmiller in the second tier.



For practical hunting, BTW, anything except a "bummer" will work just fine.



MHO



Alberta Canuck

GLC, IMHO, you can't go wrong with any of the tubes you listed. I have a strong preference for Lilja tubes and will continue to until something changes.

Good Luck!

Thanks for all the input guys.

My gunsmith will be fully blueprinting the action and he builds quite a few benchrest and sillouette rifles. I've seen his work and also spoke with others who shoot rifles built by him. They are quite pleased with his work, so I think it will work out well.

Krieger #4 SS 1-11 twist was ordered today. 12-14 weeks for delivery! They must be popular.

Here's an interesting thread on what wins.

Equipment List

John

I've been following the Benchrest equipment lists for some years now. These loads will usually work very well in your hunting rifles also. You don't have to be a benchrest shooter to reap benefits from these lists. They're a Godsend. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal