Criterion prefits

[yorketransport]

I got my 6mm BR barrel yesterday. All I can say is that this barrel is beautiful! The finish is flawless and the bore looks like a mirror. I can't wait to try it.

Andrew

[northlander]

In the last two days we have sent out another 14 Criterion Barrels. Brenda has been contacting our customers as the barrels have been shipping. The 7mm Barrels are starting to arrive now and we will be shipping these as soon as they arrive. When Brenda gives you "The Call" we would like to hear from you on your groups and your builds.

Jim Briggs
NSS

[BoilerUP]

The 140 gr A-Max is one loooooooong bullet.

Finally received some 6.5mm 140gr A-Max, and found that to the lands in my .260 Rem CBI barrel is 2.905" COAL. Compare that to the 120gr A-Max, which is 2.805" and the 120gr Nosler BT which is 2.825".

I didn't do any finer measurements, but it appears like almost the entire boattail of the 140gr A-Max extends below the shoulder/straight wall junction of the case.

Curious to load a few up and see how they do...

[rsbhunter]

BoilerUP, i just sent my 260 AI to have the freebore lengthened so that the base of the boat tail is even with the neck/case wall junction using a Sierra 140gr hpbt...was all i had in that weight....mine (freebore) seemed to be short, but i'm sure it was to SAMMI specs......and i didn't have to wait 12-22 weeks to get my barrel....And they ARE BEAUTIFUL barrels......might have to have Jim get me a unthreaded one in 7mm for my Browning A-Bolt.........rsbhunter

[mscott71]

I just got "the call" ;D and should arrive Wendnesday. I ordered a 30" bull in 7mm RM for long range steel shooting. The plan is to work up to see how far I can push it pressure-wise and shoot a couple of groups if my old loads are safe. Then I'm going to clean the crap out of it and send it to MMI for the nitriding process. Should be an interesting next couple of months.

[GaCop]

I've run approximately 90 rounds through my Criterion barrel testing 120 gr A-Max and Nosler BTs with RE-15 and IMR 4350. So far, my accuracy has been dismal. I've rebedded my stock because I found a broken rear pillar. Fixed that and tried loads again....no change in erratic accuracy. THe rifle acts like it wants to shoot as it has turned in a couple of sub MOA groups at 100 yards. I'm suspecting the Vortex scope is acting up so took it off and mounted/bore sighted an extra Mueller 6.5X25X44 I had that is a known performer. I'll see if the scope was one of the problems. I've never been more disappointed in a barrels performance like I am so far with the Criterion. My 223AI barrel from Sinarms was shooting bughole right from the get go so I know my shooting and loading technique is not an issue.

I'm not giving up on this build and hope to iron out the bugs in the near future. I will say that copper fouling has not been a big issue with the Criterion barrel. I've gotten light blue on the patches early on but now, no copper indication at all. Maybe another 100 rounds will smooth out what ever problem it has.

[mscott71]

What cartridge are you loading GaCop and what loads have you tried?

I only put 20 rounds through my Criterion 7mmRM barrel before sending it off for Nitriding. I did a quick ladder test to see how far I could push it pressure-wise and shot a 5 shot group. Accuracy seemed excellent with the pressure test loads and the 5 shot group. 4 shots were in a cluster with the 5th on opening the goup to 5/8". I recorded my velocities and now we'll see what happens after the nitriding process.

[GaCop]

I'm loading for the 6.5X47L (1 in 8 twist, 26") with the 120 grain A-Max and 120 gr Nosler Match BTHP so far.

[BoilerUP]

I'm loading for the 6.5X47L (1 in 8 twist, 26") with the 120 grain A-Max and 120 gr Nosler Match BTHP so far.


Nosler makes a 120gr 6.5mm BTHP?

[Aircraftmech76]

Why is nobody loading the 123 grain AMAX for the 6.5's? It's got a better BC...

[GaCop]

I'm loading for the 6.5X47L (1 in 8 twist, 26") with the 120 grain A-Max and 120 gr Nosler Match BTHP so far.


Nosler makes a 120gr 6.5mm BTHP?


Correction on that, they're Ballistic Tips.............My 140 gr Noslers are BTHPs........sorry for the confusion.

[BoilerUP]

Why is nobody loading the 123 grain AMAX for the 6.5's? It's got a better BC...


They often cost more than the 120 AMAX...that is, when you can find them.

Midsouth has been "overdue" on receiving some 123s to fill my backorder for about 2 weeks.

[mscott71]

I'm loading for the 6.5X47L (1 in 8 twist, 26") with the 120 grain A-Max and 120 gr Nosler Match BTHP so far.


That powder is known to give good performance, butI'd try some MatchKings jammed or not jumping much before I gave up on the barrel.

[GaCop]

I'm shelving the use of 120s for a bit and will concentrating on 140 grain loads (SMK and Nosler Match BTHPs) with RE-17. If these don't group, Criterion/Kreiger can take this barrel and store it in a perpetually dark place.

[DougMH]

Mine shoots well. And it was easy to swap out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPlFtskCwng

[GaCop]

I'm relieved to say the scope was the problem. Swapped the Vortex for a Mueller of known consistent performance and groups immediately closed up to under MOA at 100 yards. I tried 36.8 grains of RE-17 with a 140 gr A-Max, 140 Nosler Match BTHP and a 140 SMK. So far, the A-Max is shooting the tightest at .633". The Nosler had one flyer on the last shot ruining a nice.640" group (I think I got overly excited that the barrel was finally performing) opening the group to 1.013". The SMK grouped .698" with four in .545". No bragging groups but at least it's starting to perform with first try loads. The barrel now has 112 rounds fired through it. Looks like I'll need to test the 120s again.

[scope eye]

Hey Jim where can I find what twist rates are available in what caliber, or can I go by whats on the krieger barrel site.
Dean

[BoilerUP]

Hey Jim where can I find what twist rates are available in what caliber, or can I go by whats on the krieger barrel site.
Dean


http://savageshooters.com/SavageForum/index.php/topic,36262.0.html

[mscott71]

I'm relieved to say the scope was the problem.

That's good to hear ....... glad it worked out.

[canman]

I really regret that I will be selling mine in 6br unfired. On the other hand it is because my wife is building me a full custom. So I am quite excited. The criterion appears to be very well built with a mirror like interior finish.
Joe