Well, after much thought, I decided to keep the barrel that was well off from what I ordered. I just did not want to wait a minimum of 2 more months -- so I gambled...

But I did send the forend back to have a sling swivel installed and have pillars installed (should have been a hanger bar system but that was botched) along with having the stock finished, all which was missed the first go-round. I received the forend yesterday, and it looked nice. But there still was no sling swivel stud, and I had to work on it for about 90 minutes to remove app. 0.3" excess material so that the frame would open and close. Now, I'll have to re-finish that area.

But I got to do some serious shooting (I had already broken in the barrel while waiting for the forend )this morning, and it shows excellent potential. In fact, 47 grains of Re-22 under the Hornady 129 grain SST in Lapua brass combined for a 3-shot, 100 yard group of .380. MV was 2846 fps.

I talked to Van Horn yesterday, and he was upset with himself for missing the sling swivel stud (I hadn't even put the forend on the gun at that point, so I couldn't tell him about the fit). He explained a little to me why things have been going wrong lately, and, contrary to what some were led to believe, it is not that he was ill. I won't go into details here, but let's just say he has a bunch on his mind.

Will I order from him again? More than likely...

His prices are enticing, his turnaround relatively quick -- and from another barrel of his that I have, I know he is capable of turning out some fantastic shooters.

Yes, there were many things wrong with my order, from the length to the finish to the throat, etc. But I have accepted it for what it is -- and early indications tell me the accuracy will make me forget about the rest...

Glad to hear that Bobby. When your shooting groups like that, ya tend to forget about all the other stuff

[ 01-15-2003, 02:58: Message edited by: Jules ]

I did a little more shooting this afternoon, and I think I have settled on my spring-summer load for now. Around here, there is always a possibility of running into hogs, and for this reason, I prefer the 6.5s with 140 grain bullets. The same 47 grain charge of Re-22 that I used with the 129 grain Hornady propels the Sierra 140 grain GameKing at a little over 2850 fps and has given some outstanding 200 yard groups. The Hornady 140 grain Sp and 140 grain SST were just over MOA, but I didn't experiment with seeating depth or powder charges or even various powders. So I'll load up a batch of the 140 grain Sierras and do a little more testing later on...

But for now, I'll take the 140 grain Sierra, the half-MOA groups and the 2850+ fps velocity, which certainly isn't bad for a cartridge that's more than a century old...

Bobby
Glad things are looking better as far as the barrel is concerned. Accuracy sounds great. I'm still looking to get a Van Horn barrel. I just have to finish up a couple of things that I started first.
Rich Jake

Bobby, If you had to choose a caliber for groundhog hunting - would this be one of your considerations now that you have some burn time with it? How does that load handle for you in the short barrel?

Bobby, Glad to hear the the DVH barrel is working out.

I just received notice this morning that mine was/is finished. Hopefully i will know by early next week what i got....

T/C Nimrod-
This isn't a short barrel. It is a little under 26". I posted in the Single Shot Pistol forum because that's where "everybody" hangs out at. Whenever I want a sound answer, honest evaluation or good advice, this is where I turn...

I consider the 6.5x55 a bit much for groundhogs, esp. in more settled areas. But it would nonetheless be extremely effective, particularly with either the 85 grain Sierra HP Varminter or 95 grain Hornady V-Max.

[ 01-15-2003, 06:53: Message edited by: Bobby Tomek ]

T/C Nimrod-
One more thought regarding your question: I have never hunted groundhogs, but if I were to assemble a gun just for the chore, it would more than likely be a .250 Savage IMP with a 1:10 twist and with a varmint taper (not full bull) 24" barrel.

An 85 grain Ballistic Tip at top speeds would buck the wind and carry a lethal message "way out there." It would also make a terrific long range dialer for coyotes.

Why did you go and mention this???? Now I have the wants for one of these!

And so goes the affliction with the single shots...

Good News about the Barrel Bobby and I hope Mr. Van Horn gets his problems worked out. I'd look at it this way..Id much rather have a barrel that shoots better than it looks rather than the other way around....
Dave

Dave-
Well said. I couldn't agree more...

Actually, I screwed up. You mentioned "hogs" in your thread, and up here where the air is a little thinner (PA) "hogs" either means big,ugly,fat women or little brown animals that make GREAT TARGET PRACTICE. Your "hogs" mean pork!

As for mentioning another gun setup - don't you think someone should start a support group for people like us that have a hobby problem?

OOPS....... I think that is what these forums are for! - Kinda like serving Budweiser at an AA meeting.