Barrel Analysis Paralysis

I'm getting ready to order two barrels, but man there are just too many good options out there.

The first barrel I'm looking for needs to be a 28" 284 Winchester Standard Shank. I'm trying to stay under $400 shipped for this one. I'm down to getting either a Criterion or McGowen. Criterion seems to have a good following now, but only offers a 9 twist. McGowen could do either a 8 or 9 twist, but the 8 would take a little longer. Is there any other ones I should be considering for this?

The second barrel I'm looking for will be a 23" 6x45 and under $375 shipped. I'd like a contour heavier than a heavy sporter, but less than a varmint. I'm down to either a Blackhole Weaponry or an Xcaliber. The biggest difference between the two being the polygonal rifling versus standard. I've never had a polygonal, but the reviews see to be pretty positive.

I guess I should just be thankful there's so many options out there.

You never said what you want to do with them.
But I wouldn't hesitate for a second to buy another ER Shaw. Since the re-tool, now since time ago, they build very nice stuff. I shoot mine to a mile, the hold-up with groups isn't a failing of the barrel.

The 284 would be an F-Class gun. The 6x45 would be a walking varminter.

I've considered Shaw, but I still hear they can be hit or miss. I'm hoping to pay a little more and avoid the chance of getting a "miss".

I have 5 BHW bbls and can say for a fact the 6x45 will shoot very accurately. I have 1 w/4007 rounds through it and still prints in the subs from 100-400 yards I use it at.
Cleans up easily and have yet to find copper in it from the get go.
It is 22" long, 1/10" tw, heavy sporter/light varmint and run it hard for p-dogs/coyote/antelope.
My BHW barrel dia is .685" @ muzzle, then they have listed .750", .810", .920" & 1" when you decide on contour.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 5spd

I have 5 BHW bbls and can say for a fact the 6x45 will shoot very accurately. I have 1 w/4007 rounds through it and still prints in the subs from 100-400 yards I use it at.
Cleans up easily and have yet to find copper in it from the get go.
It is 22" long, 1/10" tw, heavy sporter/light varmint and run it hard for p-dogs/coyote/antelope.
My BHW barrel dia is .685" @ muzzle, then they have listed .750", .810", .920" & 1" when you decide on contour.

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It's good to hear that you're running your barrel hard with the Magnum Sporter contour. I think I'll end up going with the same set-up.

Good afternoon,

It looks like we have blanks available in 1-8.5, 1-9, and 1-10 for the .284 Win Match if you're still interested in taking that route. It would likely take about 14 weeks to take them from blank to pre-fit.