Criterion prefits

[bajabill]

these are getting my interest.

Currently they are filling in the price point that Shilen used to have. Is there any reason to think they wont live up to the expectation that comes with that? Well, I guess McGowen is close in price comparison too.

I am wanting a 6.5 something, and was thinking the 260 would be the easiest to work with (same headspace gage as 243, etc.) but would the swede or 6.4x284 provide for more generous seating lengths?

[snipecatcher]

If Jim kept a stock of these barrels in 6.5x55, that's what I would have went with. My second choice was 308, because I already have all of the components for it. I would have had to buy dies and brass for the 260. My 308 barrel is shooting pretty good. Just this morning I went out to test loads, and got the following results:

155 Sierra PALMA, Lapua brass, Rem 9.5 primer, Varget:

46.0 @ 2.86"-----2818 fps, 0.75" group
46.0 @ 2.90"-----2820 fps, 0.74" group
46.4 @ 2.86"-----2845 fps, 0.73" group
46.4 @ 2.90"-----2858 fps, 0.82" group

These are all 5 shot groups, and I'm using a long action, so they all fit in the mag. In fact, 2.90" is the longest OAL I feel comfortable with, as the bullets are just far enough in the case to hold. Before this, I was shooting the 168 SMK's, and was able to get them out to the lands. The load I settled on with them shot just under an inch. This barrel is very nicely finished and easy to clean, though I don't clean it very often. I think I'm going to start cleaning it every 50 rounds, because I can keep track of it easier that way. I would definitely buy another Criterion.
-Dan

[snipecatcher]

I was asked whether the above groups are outside-outside, or center to center. They are center-center. For load development, I am very happy with the results. If I was shooting 3 shot groups, I could claim this rifle shoots .2" groups. ;D A couple of those groups really would have been about .3 if not for a single flier. ALL loads put through this barrel so far have been less than 1.25", with most being just under an inch. I could probably do better, but I've been shooting prone/bipod. With time practicing and more load development, I feel this will be a true .5" rifle.
-Dan

[GaCop]

Yup! Hopefully my barrel is in the bunch shipped. I've got dies, brass, scope/mounts and a laminated bench stock just waiting for the barrel.





Oh Man, I can't wait, hopefully my 6.5X47 Lapua is in that bunch!


GaCop, seems like we are doing our build's with the same stuff and same time. My 6.5 X 47 Lapua barrel is in the same UPS shipment. Been reading alot on these barrels and havn't heard anything negitive. Can't wait to get it built. (putting it on a Target Action). I WILL be ordering more of these ;D ;D ;D

[DougMH]

Any results with these yet? How are they doing?
Thanks,
Joe

Look at my post of today 02/28/2011 for video and pictures

[northlander]

We just sent out another 18 barrels with today's UPS packages. About half of these were Criterion Barrels. Brenda has been contacting the customers when their orders ship. If you have gotten "The Call" you will be shooting soon.

Jim Briggs
NSS

[dperk]

I was very happy to get 'the call'.... what awesome customer service!

[GaCop]

Oh joy!!!!!!!! Barrel should be here tomorrow.

[canman]

Just got mine today! I can't shoot it for a few weeks though. I have a match next weekend and I'm not taking my old one off until after the match. I can't wait.
Joe

[GaCop]

Mine is on the truck, should get here sometime this afternoon................the wait is maddening!

[yorketransport]

I've got one (6mm BR) on the way as well. It's a shame that UPS doesn't deliver packages this size to my house. ::) They drop them at the post office, then the USPS does the final delivery.

You know, FedEx Ground would would have delivered it to my door, on Saturday, with a smile, for no extra charge! ;) ;D Or better still, I could just get it in the morning when I get to my work truck which just happens to be parked 4 trucks down from the FedEx Ground truck that delivers to my house. Of course I may be biased as I sit here typing while wearing my FedEx hat........ ;)

Andrew

[GaCop]

I've had much better service using FedEx over the years but, my son working for them may have something to do with that.

[SMK Shoe]

Someone please post a couple pictures of these barrels. My 6.5X47 Lapua Bull barrel is sitting at home in a dark box waiting for me. I only have three weeks before I let her out but the wait is killing me. I've completed the build about a dozen times in my dreams. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[dperk]

6mm BR Criterion:

http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq99/SirJeepenstein/CBI%20Barrel/DSC_0074.jpg

http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq99/SirJeepenstein/CBI%20Barrel/DSC_0076.jpg

Chamber:
http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq99/SirJeepenstein/CBI%20Barrel/DSC_0075.jpg

Crown:
http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq99/SirJeepenstein/CBI%20Barrel/DSC_0078.jpg

[SMK Shoe]

That's a nice looking tube. Thinking of ordering a couple more just to have.

[GaCop]

Shot mine yesterday for the first time. Wind was howling 25 to 35 mph varying between 9 o'clock and 1 o'clock. Making a long story short, best group, 39.8 grains of IMR4350 pushing a 120 grain A-Max .005" OTL put five into .558" at 100 yards. Worst group was 1.257" that was 39.6 grains of IMR 4350. Velocities were between 2727 and 2749 fps. Not a good day for load testing but, after being cooped up for 3 day because of rain, I wanted to see what the barrel would do and I now have fire formed brass.

Barrel was easy to clean with just a hint of copper on the patch using Bore Tech Eliminator. Carbon removal was with slip 2000.

[MDM]

GaCop - Try some R15 or Varget with the 120's, I think you will get much better results with the 120-123 class bullets. 4350 works better with the 130's and 140's. I never had a group over .5" with Varget and the 123 Lapua's. I just now got some 123 and 140 amax to try later this week. You guys will really like the 6.5 Lapua. It just hammers.

[GaCop]

GaCop - Try some R15 or Varget with the 120's, I think you will get much better results with the 120-123 class bullets. 4350 works better with the 130's and 140's. I never had a group over .5" with Varget and the 123 Lapua's. I just now got some 123 and 140 amax to try later this week. You guys will really like the 6.5 Lapua. It just hammers.


Yeah, I plan on trying Varget, RL-15 and 17 and H4350. I'll be shooting 120 and 140 grain SMKs and 120/140 A-Max along with 120, 130 and 140 Bergers. I received load data from Walt Berger for his 120, 130 and 140 gr bullets he worked up on "Quickload".

[MDM]

Good deal. I'm anxious to see if I can get the 140 amax to shoot. My McGowen is throated a little short, so I'll just have to see if I can get the velocity I want. Anything 2800+ and I will be happy with the 140's.

[GaCop]

The 140 gr A-Max is one loooooooong bullet. Seated to the lands, it WILL stick down below the neck into the case shoulder unless you throat your barrel. If you do that though, the 120 and 130 grain will never get near the lands or if they do, little of the bullet will be in the case neck.