SmallCaliberCentral

My 700 in 204 used to shoot sub .25" five shot groups at 100 yards using handloads. This year my groups have started to get inconsistant.
I think it's time for a new barrel. I leaning toward Hart but have heard they have a very long lead time. What other premium barrels would be as good as a Hart?

I think everyone is running 8+ weeks right now. A friend of mine has several Remington rifles he shoots in varmint class sillohuette matches. All of them have E.R. Shaw barrels on them and his shooting buddies with Krieger, Bartlein, and Hart barrels are envious of how well they shoot for no more than he paid.

Give Pac-Nor a call. I doubt that anyone will be very speedy but, worth the wait.

Another vote for Pac-Nor. They shoot as good as all my others (Lilja, Shilen, Hart, Douglas etc.) and usually have a better lead time.

Count me in for a Pacnor vote. Their 3 groove barrels are excellent, you won't be disappointed.

How many rounds have you put through it? Have you really looked at the barrel or had it scoped? Maybe it just needs a good scrubbing. I bought my .204 second hand, a guy had traded it in on a new one because he said it wouldn't shoot accurate. I bought it, took it out and sure enough it wasn't very accurate but when I really looked at it, it was obvious he didn't know how to clean a barrel. I spent about three hours scrubbing the barrel and the next time I went out it shot sub 1" groups. Since then I've done some load developement and have shot groups as small as .169. Just a thought, I'd check it real good before I went to the expense of a new barrel. Have fun and good luck, which ever way you go.

Broper, I got the gun used about 4 years ago. About 2 years ago I had to have some work done at Remington and they said there was some erosion in the throat. Since then I've probably put 2500 to 3000 rounds through it. My first thought was also a dirty barrel and I cleaned the heck out of it and the groups got even worse, so I'm afraid I'll have to spring for a barrel.

Thanks for all the recommendations guys. Looks like Pac Nor wins. I call and see what their lead time is.

Yep, sounds like maybe you need a new barrel then. I've never had a Pac-Nor but I've always heard good things about them and if I was in the market for a barrel I think I'd give them a try. Good luck.

I haven't checked lately but I hear McGowen can be a shorter wait.

jeffersonv wrote:I haven't checked lately but I hear McGowen can be a shorter wait.

Thanks, I'll check them out.

After 8 months waiting on a Shilen I gave Lilja a call and they have 204 Remington Varmint Contour barrels (blanks) in stock, 3-groove 12-twist. $330.00 plus shipping. I sure hope it shots...

Jim

Pac-Nor Hands down!

willyp19 wrote:Pac-Nor Hands down!

They were the 1st ones I contacted but they were 12+ out which is normally ok.