Bartlein Barrel - SS, 7mm, B# 1.250" Straight, 8.75 Twist, 34" Blank, 5R

Are you curious about how different factors influence shooting performance? Explore the impact of barrel contours, rifling, and fluting with Bartlein Barrels' Stainless Steel (SS) 7mm barrel, featuring a 1.250" straight contour, an 8.75 twist rate, and a 34" blank with 5R rifling.

Do Contours Affect Barrel Weight?

Yes, barrel contours do affect weight. Heavier contours can resist barrel movement and wandering when the barrel heats up, especially in barrels with residual stress. Bartlein Barrels' commitment to single-point cut rifling reduces stress, making contour less critical than in button-made barrels.

Does Contour Affect Shooting?

Absolutely. Heavier barrels can improve shooting as they help manage recoil, reduce fatigue, and allow for extended shooting sessions. However, lighter contours can also perform well, challenging the belief that heaviness is always better.

Should Suppressors Match Barrel Contours?

No, suppressors typically work best with heavier barrels. Hanging a suppressor on a barrel affects harmonic vibrations, making it less suitable for smaller contours. Medium palma contours are recommended for suppressor use.

Why Is Single Point Cut Rifling Superior?

Single-point cut rifling, a specialty of Bartlein Barrels, minimizes stress on the barrel blank. In contrast, button rifling can negatively impact bore sizes, especially as contours shrink. It also reduces the risk of issues when threading the muzzle, enhancing accuracy.

Importance of Fluting a Barrel

Fluting offers several advantages:

• Weight Reduction: Fluting removes material without altering the contour, reducing barrel weight.
• Barrel Cooling: Increased surface area aids heat dissipation during prolonged shooting.
• Aesthetics: Fluting adds a unique and visually appealing touch to the barrel, attracting many customers.

Questions About Fluting

While fluting is beneficial, it's essential not to go too deep, as it can introduce harmonic and vibration issues that impact accuracy. If fluting options are unavailable, the contour may be too shallow.

Why Does Rifling Matter?

Rifling plays a crucial role in bullet performance. Bartlein Barrels offers three rifling types: 4-groove, 5R, and Conventional-5. The number of grooves doesn't significantly affect accuracy or barrel life, as confirmed by ammunition and bullet manufacturers.

Benefits of 5R Rifling

5R rifling boasts several advantages, including reduced bullet deformation, improved flight, and reduced bullet failure. The gentler angle of the lands and odd number of lands contribute to these benefits, enhancing accuracy.

Exceptions to Consider

For short jacket 6mm bullets commonly used by short-range bench shooters, the 5R rifling may not be ideal. These bullets may achieve better results with different rifling styles due to their short bearing surface and bullet jacket characteristics.