AusVarmint

After using my first Pacnor 20 cal barrel on my 20/222 and being very very impressed with the accuracy, smoothness and ease of cleaning, I am starting to wonder what else is out there in the world that is of equal quality. Mainly looking at getting a couple of new 20 cal barrels, one for a mate, and one to put away for the rainy day when my Pacnor finally gives up the ghost.
I have a Lilja on my 17/222, a Mcgowen on my 22 PPc, both of which clean and shoot extremely well. I am starting to think that good quality barrels aren't as hard to come by as they were in days gone by.
I wouldn't mind giving an Australian barrel maker a go, TSE or Maddco are the two that jump out at me.
So what would be the general preference here ?
9, 10, or 11 twist is preferred.
Lapped, definitely.
Time of production isn't really an issue
Cost isn't the biggest hurdle either, as long as its reasonable, just means that I have to save the bikkies a bit longer.
I am very tempted to get another Pacnor from Seddo, if the group buy is still running, as they do a pre chambered and threaded barrel for my Zastava rifle at a very reasonable extra cost. But it will still need headspacing like the last one.

Is there really that much difference between the two Aussie barrels and the imported ones, to make the imported product more attractive than the local ?

Thoughts and ideas please gents.

Pretty sure Maddco are $600 (plus post) ish. I think it's a 3 - 4 week lead time unless he has one floating round. Mate has a few and all shoot very well. I'll be buying from there once I wear some barrels out (or win lotto).
No idea about TSE.
What sort of cost are the pacnor?
Rob

Not sure on the pricing of the Pacnor, that depends on the exchange rate and stuff. I paid around 550 for my last one, but the dollar was way above parity then to the green back. Now with the dollar of ours down, it will bring the local stuff more in line with the actual costs from over there.

I'm yet to see a maddco not shoot well. I prefer kriegers but after the 3 lilja's I've got running now it's a hard decision. As you day now the dollar has dropped the maddco or tse will be hard to beat on price.

My Maddco is $580 posted.

I run Pacnors and Kreigers mainly, but do have one Lilja on my 243AI, and a Maddco as the 308 barrel on my BAT. I think all the top US makes and Maddco are equal, and the others not far behind and good value for the lower pricing.

Only TSE barrel I have is on my 500NE, so hard to comment on quality and accuracy on that!!

Hard to buy a bad barrel now, IMHO.

I've had no issues with TSE CM barrels on my winchestres but havent had one of their SS ones so i cant comment on them.

Seddo wrote:I've had no issues with TSE CM barrels on my winchestres but havent had one of their SS ones so i cant comment on them.

Which brings me to another question: is there any real big difference in a modern match grade CM barrel and a SS one ? There doesn't seem to be a great difference price wise, what about cleaning and accuracy and longevity ?

You can't blue stainless.

kickinback wrote:You can't blue stainless.

But you can paint/cerecoat if bright and shiny aint you thing, not quite as nice as a good deep dark blued job

kickinback wrote:You can't blue stainless.

So, and the problem is ?? Or are you saying that is the only major difference ??

kickinback wrote:You can't blue stainless.

yes it can be done

Nev Madden at Maddco produces very good barrels I have had many and they all shot very well a couple were screamers. Many successful BR at both long and short range BR shooters use them which shows that they are a high grade barrel.
I had a MAB years ago which was only average, TSE took over MAB and I have not had a TSE but I cant see a problem with them based on hunters reports I have read.
Lilja & Krieger I have used they are good as are Shilen(had them too)
The imported barrels will skip out in price with the dollar and that's good for Australian manufacturers as they need our business to survive and the market change will help keep them going.
Robert Tobler is still making barrels down at Robertson NSW as far as I know and will like Maddco and TSE supply, chamber and fit for you.
I personally favour Maddco probably because my best barrels have all been Maddco's. That said they can all produce a bad or average one as well.
Stainless is supposed to last longer and clean better but I don't know how you can compare that as every barrel is different and will wear and clean depending on loads and treatment.

Thanks for the thoughts, looks like Maddco are a very popular way to go, I may have to get a couple from him and give them a go.

I forgot all about Tobler, maybe next time or the time after.

Does Maddco have a web site, I keep just getting directions to his premises when I google them. Thanks

I've got a TSE and I put stuff in one end and when there is a loud KABOOM stuff comes out the other send so it seems to work OK