25-06 Barrel choice

[jb fastcat]

I currently own a tc endeavor 209x50 but I would like to get a 25-06 barrel for it. I don't reload yet so I know that I can only expect so much from the accuracy department. That being said I have many rifles that with the right factory ammo shoot very accurately. I was wondering if the aftermarket barrels were worth the money or should I just get a factory tc barrel. I would like a 24" stainless barrel but I don't want the sights on it. Not sure if this configuration is available from tc or not. I don't mind spending the extra money if the product is worth it. Just wondering what everyones take is on this. Thanks.
Also I already have a camo forearm for a tc heavy rifle barrel. My question is the back pillar is flat across the top and the front one is radiused out or cut on a curve to fit the barrel. Is this normal for the back pillar to be flat and the front one to be curved or radiused.

[Grumulkin]

I have mostly T/C factory barrels and across the board, accuracy is very good.  In fact my very best ever 3 shot 100 yard group was shot with a T/C heavy 25/06 barrel that measured 0.15 inches center to center.  That said, I have an MGM Encore barrel that is VERY nice.  If cost isn't an issue, I would probably go MGM for the barrel you're wanting.  The T/C Custom Shop can supply you the barrel you want but considering the cost of that vs one from MGM, you wouldn't be out much more going for the MGM barrel.

Your description of the forearm sounds normal to me.

[jb fastcat]

If I go with a MGM barrel will I still be able to use my factory heavy barrel forend. I suppose as long as I get one with the same diameter specs it should work shouldn't it?

[Grumulkin]

Unlike the barrels of some custom T/C barrel purveyors, MGM's barrel profiles fit standard T/C forends.

There are a few other things to consider:

1.  If you're willing to go with a 26 rather than a 24 inch stainless heavy barrel, then you can get a standard factory barrel.  In my opinion, there isn't a down side to 2 extra inches of barrel.  The Pro Hunter barrels are 28 inches long which I believe many find to be unwieldy though I like them.

2.  If you went with a tapered barrel with iron sights, you could get a stainless 24 inch barrel.  I've found the tapered barrels to be very accurate.  Since I use Warne scope basses with QD rings, I can easily remove the scope and use the irons if I want to.  I'm not trying to influence your decision but just letting you know about the options.

3.  T/C currently has a rebate program that ends on 5/31/10 in which if you buy a new T/C barrel from an authorized dealer, you'll get a $50 rebate.

4.  Places to shop for T/C barrels would include Ed's Contenders (a very nice guy to deal with), EABCO and Manventure Outpost (last I looked had many barrels on sale at very attractive prices).

[jb fastcat]

Thanks for the input Grumulkin,

You say I can get a factory 26" barrel. Where can I get one of these. All I see listed on the tc site are 28" barrels. Would the 26" be heavy barrel stainless fluted.

[Grumulkin]

EABCO (E. Arthur Brown Company) has, at least per their web site, 26 inch heavy stainless barrels.  The factory 26 inch barrels aren't fluted; if you want a fluted factory barrel, you'll need to go with the 28 inch Pro Hunter.

[jb fastcat]

Thanks again Grumulkin. I see where I can get a factory 26" unfluted heavy encore barrel.  I was wondering if you know which barrel would be lighter, a 28" fluted heavy barrel or a 26" unfluted heavy barrel. I didn't know how much of a difference the flutes made in reducing weight. I know the difference is probably minimal but I am trying to keep weight to a minimum but yet stay with a heavier barrel.

[Grumulkin]

My guess would be, and it's only an educated guess, that the weight would be similar.

If you really want a 24 or 26 inch stainless steel barrel with flutes, Match Grade Machine could do that for you.  They would also probably have a better idea of how much the weight savings would be.  In fact, Match Grade Machine has a forum where you could ask this question.

[jb fastcat]

Thanks alot for your input Grumulkin.  It is nice to be able to ask a question and get quality feedback. Hopefully I can help you out with some info someday.

[pozoutdoors]

I have a factory 26" hb .26-06 barrel and it is the most accurate barrel I kown!!! I shoot 85gr. bt over IMR 4350!!! Yes, I have shot some big deer with this load!!!

[jb fastcat]

I ordered the 25-06 26" SS encore heavy barrel today. Local dealer sold it to me for  $267. Plus I get the $50 mail in rebate. The rebate makes it a pretty good deal I think. Got a ton of yard work to do so it will be a bit before I get it scoped up. Not putting anything fancy on it just a good ol vx ii 3x9x40.  I will post a accuracy report when I get a chance to fire it up.  Thinking about putting the deadnutz mount on it. Don't have any experience with these mounts but I have been wanting to give them a try. What's everyones opinions on these mounts. If I don't like the DNZ mounts I have a one piece dual dovetail set up I can put on it. Just trying to cut the weight down a bit. What is the minimum height dnz mount I could put on and still have room for some butler creek caps. I would like to put the low mounts on it but not sure about clearance.

[Grumulkin]

I put Warne Weaver style bases on my Encore and Contender rifle barrels and then use Warne QD rings so I can move scopes between barrels.

[jb fastcat]

Well I finally got around to shootin my 25-06 today. Couldn't be happier with the TC Encore barrel. Shot absolutely great using Hornady Superformance 117 gr sst's. I read alot of negative reviews about the factory tc barrels. I must of got lucky cause I love this one.  I put the DNZ mounts on it and they are sweet. I was always a dual dovetail guy but I will be having more of these DNZ mounts.