The Accurate Reloading Forums
encore barrel
19 September 2008, 00:29
willimon1encore barrel
I am looking at purchasing a barrel for my pro hunter. I have looked at thompsons custom shop,mgm, and bullberry. Who should I go with.
19 September 2008, 01:47
Bobby TomekI recommend MGM. Their pricing, quality, turnaround & customer service are simply superb.
After MGM, OTT and SSK would be my next choices. OTT puts out tremendous quality, but the wait is significant. SSK is no longer the same in terms of overall workmanship as in the 80s amd early 90s, but they are still VERY good -- and turnaround is quite short.
Bullberry is working through some issues, and while I really love the accuracy, I buy mine used to avoid any potential hassles.
The TC Custom Shop is NOT a true custom outfit but simply an extension of the factory offerings with more choices in terms of contour, length and finish. You have no choice in terms of chamber specs; you can't specify throating; and you can't specify crown type.
Bobby
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19 September 2008, 07:09
GrumulkinI've had bunches of T/C factory barrels and have found them to shoot very well. Also, if a factory barrel ever malfunctions, T/C fixes it.
19 September 2008, 08:29
Bobby TomekGrumulkin is right. I didn't address factory barrels as you had only mentioned customs. But the TC factory tubes can give excellent accuracy.
My latest -- a 28" Pro Hunter .308 WCF -- has been turning in very impressive groups, and I've used it to take a number of hogs and varmints in the past few months. It is an honest 0.5 to 0.6 MOA barrel.
Bobby
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19 September 2008, 23:11
homebrewerI have a factory 26-inch stainless heavy on mine in .223Rem. Shoots the eyes out of squippels at 200 yards. I like it a lot...
20 September 2008, 01:01
Bobby TomekFinally found the scan of one of my Pro Hunter barrel targets:
While I do prefer customs, I have to admit that accuracy like this is nothing to sneeze at.
Bobby
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20 September 2008, 04:32
willimon1I have no complaints with the pro hunter 243 barrel i have it shoots like a dream. I was wanting a 22-250 ai so i have to go with custom
20 September 2008, 05:57
bull1Has anyone had any acceptable accuracy with the Begara barrels?
I recently bought one in .30/06 but have not shot it yet. I did take about an hour to "slick" up the bore with Flitz polishing compound. I feel like that will help with break-in.
Bull1
20 September 2008, 07:26
reflex264I have several factory barrels. They can be loaded to shoot very good. My 30-06 rifle barrel and 30-06 pistol barrel will both shoot .5 or better. Here is a group from the rifle barrel. It measures .211". reflex264
20 September 2008, 07:45
willimon1reflex is that a prohunter barrel. Are you using the hanger bar system?
20 September 2008, 10:34
Bobby TomekBergara barrels that I have hands-on experience with have been excellent in terms of accuracy, and that includes a couple that were fed nothing but factory fodder.
All were MOA or better right off the bat with no break-in period.
In the target below, don't judge the 7-08 Bergara by the 7mm Bullberry group as that one is simply outstanding. But in its own right, so is that of the Bergara.
Bobby
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20 September 2008, 22:05
ddunnDon’t get a Bullberry. It will shoot very tight groups off the bench, and then they will open up as you start practicing field position. It really sucks because when you miss the bull, you know it is you not the gun.

In all seriousness, I love my Bullberry 22lr Encore. Everyone should have a gun this accurate so you can tell how good you are or your friends are.
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21 September 2008, 09:32
reflex264quote:
Originally posted by willimon1:
reflex is that a prohunter barrel. Are you using the hanger bar system?
The 30-06 is a regular production 24". The forend is piller bedded-sort of. I put steel washers on the bosses and cut the ribs out in front of them so the only contact points are the washers. My .264 Encore is a custom with the hanger bar. It shoots .5 or better as well. Here is my 30-06 Encore with a fat little 8pt I shot at 280 yards. reflex264