Thread: Barnard Action Hunting Rifle

Who is everyone using for gunsmithing? I'm South Island and the only options nearby are Gunworks (limited selection of reamers) and Greystone (communication black hole). I'm hoping I don't have to ship the rifle.

I'd rather have to ship it and get it done right if Gunworks or Greystones can't do it for you

Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by The Claw

I'd rather have to ship it and get it done right if Gunworks or Greystones can't do it for you

Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk

It's looking like I might have to. The likes of DM have a 3+ month waiting list though plus the permit bollocks for shipping my own GD rifle to and from a gunsmith.

The other option is to buy my own reamers and gauges. Might be able to help out a few folks down here that way.

Originally Posted by Pommy

It's looking like I might have to. The likes of DM have a 3+ month waiting list though plus the permit bollocks for shipping my own GD rifle to and from a gunsmith.

The other option is to buy my own reamers and gauges. Might be able to help out a few folks down here that way.

Dean has built 3 rifles for me now, definitely worth the wait. I'm starting to build up a selection of reamers and putting pressure on my brother to buy a lathe. He's a trained tool maker/fitter-turner and has worked in a precision machining environment. Will be great, but dangerous if he caves in .

Back on topic, I'm keen to see how these SMS builds work out. Be great to see a good NZ alternative Rem 700 footprint action

Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk

Is the action thread the same as a Rem700? If so maybe a Criterion prefit barrel might work. Steve's wholesale has a shipment due in September according to his website.

Originally Posted by NZShoota

Is the action thread the same as a Rem700? If so maybe a Criterion prefit barrel might work. Steve's wholesale has a shipment due in September according to his website.

Google search found that they do have the same thread.

Why the 6mm Creedmoore over the 243?
You are building a custom rifle so you will probably be picking the same barrel, 7:1 or 8:1 twist. You are building on the same Barnard action with the same HS or AI magazine so you are limited to the same OAL of 2.86".
Is there better brass life with the different case shape?

I get it that the 6mm CM vs a factory 243 wins at long range with the heavy bullets due to being able to seat the long bullets further out and the faster twist factory barrels.

From Wiki so take with a grand of salt
243 case capacity is 52 - 54.8 gr of H2O
6mm CM capacity is 50 gr of H2O
This is a bit vague as the 6.5 CM is listed at 52.5 gr H2O.
Now the CM family does a have slightly higher case pressure but that's not relevant given both being used in the same action.
Z

Originally Posted by ZQLewis

Why the 6mm Creedmoore over the 243?
You are building a custom rifle so you will probably be picking the same barrel, 7:1 or 8:1 twist. You are building on the same Barnard action with the same HS or AI magazine so you are limited to the same OAL of 2.86".
Is there better brass life with the different case shape?

I get it that the 6mm CM vs a factory 243 wins at long range with the heavy bullets due to being able to seat the long bullets further out and the faster twist factory barrels.

From Wiki so take with a grand of salt
243 case capacity is 52 - 54.8 gr of H2O
6mm CM capacity is 50 gr of H2O
This is a bit vague as the 6.5 CM is listed at 52.5 gr H2O.
Now the CM family does a have slightly higher case pressure but that's not relevant given both being used in the same action.
Z

Yup why I went with Criterion 243 7.5”. Good Lapua brass, Foster seater etc. Now time to play, just loaded some S107gr HPBT.

@ZQLewis coolness factor man !

260 will keep up with 6.5 Creed any day provided twist rate, and possibly single feeding long projectiles.

Same goes for 243 vs 6 creed

Originally Posted by ebf

@ZQLewis coolness factor man !

260 will keep up with 6.5 Creed any day provided twist rate, and possibly single feeding long projectiles.

Same goes for 243 vs 6 creed

Hehe,
One of my hunting mates has just splashed a deposit down on a 6.5CM, tried to convince him to go down the custom path but lost that argument.
The Lithgow LA102 did it for him. Have not yet had the heart to give him grief about that. Good sales and marketing from someone.
Z

I did this comparison for a mate who was thinking 260 or 6.5 Creedmoor. Less of an issue with 6mm projectiles as they are shorter, but as throat grows mag length can cause a problem

Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk

If you seek light and stiff - I have a couple of Lone Peak Ti Short and long action. Another excellent option is Defiance Deviant - lightweight. Both with great reputations in long-range and PRS.