Looking for the right barrel length for .17HMR

[jkully]

Hi all... I am new to this site and it's my 1st post. I need some feedback on sizing a custom barrel for my Browning T-Bolt .17HMR. I plan on using it for target shooting only. I see various manufactures’ make various lengths 20", 22", 24"... and various rifling grooves...any suggestions? Also any suggestions on any good barrel makers?

[takdriver]

I would try either Shilen or Lilja. These two companies would be among the top manufacturers for rimfire barrels.

[jkully]

Thanks Tak...I have contacted both companies for help and insight. Will let you know what I find out. John

[takdriver]

Originally Posted by jkully

Thanks Tak...I have contacted both companies for help and insight. Will let you know what I find out. John

I'm not sure what their .17 barrels are like but the barrel on the 10/22 pictured on the main header of this forum is a Shilen. I compete with this gun vs. other guys that have custom benchrest rifles and I have taken 4 first places this summer. I think one of the hotest .22 barrels on the benchrest scene right now is a Shilen "Ratchet"

Good Luck!

[Rust]

I've got a 22" barrel and the Hornady ammo develops 2650 fps out of it. At some point as barrel length increases you'll hit a point of diminishing velocity returns, as more the powder is completely burned and the bullet actually slows down at some length.

With subsonic .22 rimfire match ammunition, anything much past 20" can loose velocity depending on the brand of ammo.

[Ratso]

Originally Posted by takdriver

I'm not sure what their .17 barrels are like but the barrel on the 10/22 pictured on the main header of this forum is a Shilen. I compete with this gun vs. other guys that have custom benchrest rifles and I have taken 4 first places this summer. I think one of the hotest .22 barrels on the benchrest scene right now is a Shilen "Ratchet"

Good Luck!

hi jkully , i just got a 20"shilen match barrel on my 10/22.I was wondering if you shoot subsonic ammo,what type and how does it perform? I have been shooting brass jacketed remmington ammo 1280 f.p.s. groups very well at 50 yds.I have had a problem shooting any lead bullets,they group well for about 10 rounds then the accuracy really drops off,they all have been high velocity or standard,and of various well named brands.I was wondering if it could be that i should be shooting ammo of lesser velocity.maybe you would have some insight?

[tomob1]

welcome jkully and ratso to the forum.
benchrest is not my area of expertise, so i don't have any answers for you.
i'll just follow along in hopes of learning.
tom

[Ratso]

well tomob1 i havent recieved any answers to my problem as of yet. I did shoot all suspect ammo today in an old romanian 22 training rifle that I have revamped a little, all ammo shot sub 1" at 50yds.I have e-mailed shilen barrels and am waiting for their responce. I believe the problem is probably a rough cut leade on the barrel,that is where the bullets first hit the rifling grooves.I may be wrong but seems to me to be logical exsplanation. Since the only bullets that shot very very good where brass jacketed which is tougher than copper and especially lead. I believe the softer lead and copper bullets are being marred as they enter the chamber thus greatly effecting thier accuracy. the brass bullets being tougher are not being effected by the rough lead in,they shoot one ragged hole at 50yrds which eliminates barrel or bore problems. I will see what shilen says,I personnaly might be full of it HA! . Keep ya posted.If I dont get resolved soon Iam not going to feel real well! I want to play with my new toy and I want it to shoot!