Barrel decision

[Exercion]

Hi guys, my question is less benchrest, more rimfire F-Class. I'm shooting a Remington 40X at 100 yds, current ammo of choice is Lapua Midas+. Not sure if it's time for a new barrel, but I am suspecting it is (absolutely unknown round count down the barrel, but groups opening up)

So, if it is time, I am wondering about length and twist rate? I have the long factory tube on the rifle now, but don't know if I need that. I have heard that there is no upside to a longer than 16" tube, but have no experience with ones that short. Also fast or slow twist?

Eric

 

[Charles E]

...Not sure if it's time for a new barrel, but I am suspecting it is (absolutely unknown round count down the barrel, but groups opening up)...

Just a comment that doesn't address your basic question. Places of damage in a .22 RF are usually the throat and/or the muzzle. The first from firing, the last from improper cleaning. There can be cleaning issues (& not damage) in the throat as well.

First step might be to have an accuracy gunsmith examine your existing barrel, since it seemed to meet your needs until recently. Worst case would be to cut off the old chamber & refit it, & recrown it, after slugging the bore.

The cost of this work would be the same as fitting a new barrel, but you wouldnot hve the price of the new barrel, and the wait time, which is apparently a bit long currently...

If you just want a new barrel, you'll have to roll the dice like everyone else.

BTW, if you search back over what's hot & what's not, you'll see different barrel makers given over the past 5-6 years. Then you have to decide if that's fashion or there is something real there. For example, two-groove Benchmark barrels aren't fashionable now, but were a while back. Now why is that? Do I tell mine it's no good anymore, or just let the target decide?

More seriosuly, barrels are one of the items in benchrest where we just cannot use the formula brand (or exact specifications) = winning performance.