Need some info/suggestions on a Axiss II .223 barrel replacement.

[Mcrider55]

Bought my Axis II Precision .223 in January and have shot literally thousands upon thousands of rounds out of it. The total number is unknown to me, but I have to think it's in excess of 6k total.

Thinking it's time to start looking at a replacement barrel. It still shoots very well, the bore look good, it's still quite accurate, but I'm seeing some "drift" in the shots recently.

I primarily shoot 100 yards from a bench. Occasionally up to 300 yards. It's all recreation shooting, no competition what so ever and I don't anticipate ever doing any. I reload all my own ammo and it's almost all 55grain, mostly Hornady SP with some 69Gr RMR's. Powders are Alliant 1200R, Varget, CFE223, H4895, Benchmark, and IMR 8208HMR. Nothing that is a barrel burning load.

I shoot 4-5x a week, usually 30 to 50 rounds a session. Rifle is suppressed.

What I'm seeking is info on a solid replacement barrel $700 or under. Heat dissipation is a high priority as is barrel longevity (lifespan). I've heard great reports from local shooters on Shilen and Proof Research barrels. Minimum length would be 22 inches, preferably 24-26. Criterion is a name I read often but know nothing beyond internet gossip.

Like I said, it's not a competition gun, nor used for hunting, it's my hobby/stress reliever in life.

[snell]

I just bought a Shilen stainless select(with new barrel nut) in 22/250 for about $500 out the door. I bore scoped it and its pristine. I took it out to the range this week and I'm really impressed. As to Criterian, they are made by Kreiger and while the Kreiger is cut rifled I've been told the Criterian is button. If that is an issue then check out the accuracy of the info. Criterian has a great reputation for accuracy as well. I've been a Kreiger guy for years (both CMP/NRA across the course and most recently F class) but the additional cost lead me to the Shilen. I couldn't be happier!

[Fuj']

Criterion is not made by Krieger. They just started out in one of the Krieger facilities years ago
then moved to permanent headquarters. And yes, the Criterions are button rifled.....Northland
Shooters Supply is one of the best places to get a Prefit in either a Criterion or Shilen. I would
advise the Shilen first.....On the other hand, and going back to Krieger and it's cut rifling; They
do make a prefit for Savage. You of course would have an added cost with the muzzle threading.
Another option is "The Urban Rifleman" he does prefits using Wilson Arms barrels (Not Wilson Combat)

That all being said.....If I still did prefits, I liked Harts. Look them up also.

[Mcrider55]

I see 3 types of rifling, another issue to face. Is one really better than the others?

Does fluting increase heat disapation because of added surface exterior exposed?

[charlie b]

Don't know about the rifling. I'd follow Fuj's advice. The Shilen barrel on my 6BR is pretty nice. For informal shooting can't beat the cost. And some do use them in competition as well.

Fluting. Technically fluting makes it lighter and cool faster. But, I can't really tell the difference on mine. Went from a fluted to not fluted and it seems to make little difference to me.

[Fuj']

I see 3 types of rifling, another issue to face. Is one really better than the others?

Does fluting increase heat disapation because of added surface exterior exposed?

Fluting is not worth the expense. It will help a little, but since your shooting a can, there is
your main heat problem. Riflng can be some hype in my opinion. I've gravitated more to a
4 groove standard type of rifling as has most BR shooters I know, and I compete. Some
rifling types claim to clean better. Every barrel will be different. I mentioned Hart in my
last post. Those I still shoot a standard 6 groove. It shoots and does clean up nice with
my combinations......Never heard an honest critique of Shilen's Rachet Rifling. Maybe see
if NSS has a 4 groove ratchet for you to give a work out......

Side note.....Look up some battery operated barrel coolers.

[Handi204]

Look up urbanrifleman he is on accurate shooter site. His barrels have some really good reviews.