Apache GunWorks ER Shaw 260AI

[foxx]

Got my blue, ER Shaw 260AI in heavy sporter contour from Jim a couple weeks ago. Didn't have time to shoot till this morning.

While fire forming Nosler 260 brass with H4350 and 140 gr Hornady Match bullets, I was getting 1/2 inch groups. Not only that, but I forgot my bore guide, so I decided to "break it in" by shooting 50 rounds between cleanings. 50 seemed like a good number because I only had 50 rounds. :)

I've since read H4350 is better with shorter/lighter bullets. So, now that they're fire-formed, I guess I better try H4831.

Maybe with formed brass, better powder choice, A-Max 140's and some cleaning I'll get a respectable 1/4 inch? :)

Thanks, Jim. You're the man!

[COplains]

foxx...what did you put the barrel on/in? It's next on my list someday. How was Jim's pricing? What are you using for dies? Kris

[foxx]

It's in a Boyds Nutmeg Thumbhole (left hand stock, right hand action). Pillared with lamp rod and bedded with Devcon 10110.
Savage flat back, blind mag, s/a. SSS Competition trigger.
Nikon Prostaff 5 4.5-15 scope.

I asked Jim to keep my price within $180 for the barrel. He did.

Using Lee Collet Neck Sizing die RCBS for seating.

Very happy with it so far.

[bootsmcguire]

Jim is the man. I have yet to be disappointed with a barrel I have had him make. I am currently waiting on my next one from Apache Gunworks (http://www.apachegunworks.com), I am sure it won't be long but anticipation is killer no matter how long or short the wait when its a quality item.

[upSLIDEdown]

Very nice. I've pretty much decided that whatever caliber I choose (260, 260AI, or 6.5 Creed), it's gonna come from Jim.

[grendelguy]

I just ordered a .260 barrel from Jim and hope I get similar results .

[foxx]

Cool.

Heading to the range tomorrow. Still hoping for .25 inch groups. Will report.

[FW Conch]

Wow foxx! $180 is a great price! Is Jim a distributor for ER Shaw barrels?

Thanks :).......Jim

[foxx]

I don't know how he works that. I assume he gets some sort of dealer price. Check out his website. His prices start at $180.

[bootsmcguire]

Is Jim a distributor for ER Shaw barrels?

Now keep in mind, that the chambering, crowning, contouring, and finish on the barrels is all done by Jim. In this case I believe he just used a Shaw blank, IMHO because Jim is doing the machine work that makes this better than your standard Shaw prefit.

[upSLIDEdown]

I talked to him yesterday, and he said he's been having a hard time getting Shaw blanks lately. He's got a couple random calibers, and an outstanding order he hasn't received yet, but he's pretty much gone to mostly Green Mountain.

[foxx]

Range report:

As in OP, I am now loading A-max 140's with 4831SC, but cannot get better than 1/2 inch. I know I will eventually, b/c I was getting 1/2inch when fire forming. I just haven't found the right load, seating depth or bullet. Tonight I will be checking the water volume b/c when loading compressed loads, I noticed with some cases I had more trouble seating bullets than others.

[bootsmcguire]

he's pretty much gone to mostly Green Mountain.

Yup, he was telling me that earlier this week. Works for me. All the GM barrels he's built for me have shot well.

I was just wanting to clarify in my post above, that he is doing all the machine work to the Shaw (and any other brand) of blanks that he uses. It sounded like someone above was taking it that he was selling Shaw Prefits from Shaw.

[FW Conch]

Thanks boots. I just checked his site again and am very encouraged by his prices, especially with the great recommendations he gets here on the quality of his work. The more word gets out, I think Jim is going to be very busy in the future. :)

Thanks........Jim