S
Superman
Guest
So after I realized my Benchmark 7WSM bbl was an absolute hammer, I decided to have it "immortalized" with the nitrocarburizing process known as melonite salt bath treating. I had 150 rounds down the tube when I sent it off to get treated which I would call the absolute max round count for a bbl burner like the 7WSM. After getting the bbl back, I followed the break in process recommended by a friend which involved lapping the bbl with valve grinding compound. After one process of that I went and fired 15 rounds and came back to the shop, cleaned it, and went after it again with the lapping compound. I then loaded up 15 rounds to do another load development post treating. Turns out I am at the same speed as before coating, with the same accuracy, with 1 less grain of powder. Needless to say, I'm pretty happy with the job Joel Kendrick did on the bbl and will be sending him every bbl I do in the future. I'm expecting to increase bbl life by AT LEAST 50% with most reporting gains of 100% which means I just turned my 1600 round bbl into a 3200 + round bbl. Before the bbl was sent to Joel we spiral fluted it with 8 flutes in a 360* twist. I'll post some pics of the bbl (a 28" Benchmark bbl) soon. The group pictured below was shot with 168gr Berger VLD's @ 3075 fps. I'll say the accuracy is there. :shock: I didn't measure the group yet, but I'd guess it under .25 MOA by a bit. I'd say my Desert Tactical Arms Stealth Recon Scout with Freedom Gunworks custom barrel conversion will get me by in a pinch!
