[DSM]

"Custom" barrels

Terra-

I know y'all are still busy with the feeding frenzy of mass purchases but please entertain a question for me. I shot off an e-mail the other day about building up a "wildcat" barrel in 6x45mm (6mm-223 Rem, still haven't given up!). Could you ask the powers that be, what might be the minimum number of interested parties to warrant a special run of barrels? Certain stock aspects such as chromed, etc may be cost prohibitive but other options such as stainless are possible of course.

We've all got our opinions when it comes to the topic of a 'same bolt conversion'. Mine is simply that the 6mm offers more versatility through a greater choice of bullets and capabilities; varmint, cheap plinking, match to medium weight hunting slugs. As of right now, other calibers based off of everything from .264 to .277 bullets narrow the shooter's options down to rather specific loadings stretching the abilities of the parent case, in my humble opinion.

 

[gunner69]

Re: "Custom" barrels

That would be nice. ;D > :2cents:

 

[TerraShrewsbury]

Re: "Custom" barrels

I'm not sure, I'd have to ask Alex. We'd probably have to have at least a few hundred buyers to make the R&D time worthwhile.

 

[DSM]

Re: "Custom" barrels

Hell, I'd be willing to send in a 6mm barrel blank for final turning and machining!

I don't know that a few hundred folks would be interested, but maybe a couple dozen or so.

 

[TerraShrewsbury]

Re: "Custom" barrels

The issue would be in halting production on the other barrels/calibers to do the turning on the barrels, etc. We only have a few machines, so even a minor interruption can cause an order pileup. That's why we would need a large demand. But let me talk to Alex before you all lose hope.

 

[MickeyC]

Re: "Custom" barrels

What about getting a barrel blank out to M118 so he can find a gunsmith to chamber and bore it.

M118, Otherwise try getting a 5.56 rebored.

 

[DSM]

Re: "Custom" barrels

Mickey, that's what I asked about in that e-mail I sent, getting a barrel that hasn't been chromed, but is finished and turned. I've talked to a couple of the reboring folks (Redman's, etc) and the basic consensus is that reboring a chrome lined barrel is a no-go; too hard on the tools and poor results because of it. If a pre-chromed barrel is possible I'd probably go that route without much heartburn, it'd just cost me a few hundred bucks more. My preference would be for a barrel purpose built from scratch though.

I'm realistic in thinking that a "one of" barrel would be asking a bit much under normal circumstances let alone the firearm purchasing climate as it stands now. I'm hoping that at least a handful of folks here might chime in too, that way we can all jump on the same boat.

If a 'same bolt conversion' is even being considered I'd think the 6.5 version of this type round would get a nod for a limited-run production from Alex just based on the fact the 6.5G barrels are already in their sight picture. The lightest production weight bullet I could find for 6.5 was a 95gr varmint slug. That's heavy for that case, of course and as always, in my own humble opinion. 6mm gives the option of 'up gunning' and still maintaining the variety of lighter, faster bullets.

 

[MickeyC]

Re: "Custom" barrels

I don't see why you couldn't get a pre-chromed barrel. you'd be doing some of the development work for Alex, after all.

 

[aziator]

Re: "Custom" barrels

I would agree, It should be easy to get a barrel from Robarms before it goes out for chroming.

 

[DSM]

Re: "Custom" barrels

That is unless the barrels are chromed and then finished. If that's the case it still means Robinson has to track my barrel separately after it is rebored. I'd do a rebore, but like I said, would probably cost a bit more. Getting a ground-up barrel would be better, methinks.

Mickey- don't know that there would be much development work in this caliber. Feed geometry is really not much of an issue since the XCR sits the round higher than an AR type rifle. 6x45 works just fine in an AR where feed ramps are a little more critical so I think basic deduction says it should work just fine in the XCR. Of course until its done you won't know. If my thinking would be wrong, please interject.

 

[MickeyC]

Re: "Custom" barrels

I was thinking more of managing the gas but with an adjustable regulator you should be fine, start low and work up. If max wasn't enough, which I doubt would be the case, you could always ream the vent hole.

In fact it would help Alex as you doing the development means he wouldn't be distracted.

 

[DSM]

Re: "Custom" barrels

Didn't even think of the gas, but you're right, adjustable plug should handle it.

I'll get you a hundred cases resized to 6x45 if you bug 'em too! >

 

[DSM]

Re: "Custom" barrels

Regular ol' 5.56 on the left, 6x45mm on the right. That's 80gr and feeds from the mag easily!

7.62
6x45mm
5.56mm
6.8mm



Ya know, with my trusty Dillon RL1050 I can probably FL size and trim a metric buttload of cases per hour. Now I'm not saying anything but anyone that helps with the 'cause' could probably easily convince me to help establish their loading foundation.......

 

[Whiskey three six]

Re: "Custom" barrels

Another alternative is to have a nice stainless steel barrel blank short chambered and turned to contour by your rifle smith and send it to Robarm for the barrel extension. Then have your smith head space it drill the gas port and mount the front sight base and have it dura coated.
You wouldn't be interupting the production line then.Just one job for the repair department.