Figuring out a new Faxon barrel

[Vegas]

The settling in period is an interesting thing. I have two precision barrels, a BCM 16" SS 410 and a White Oak 18" SPR that I put together just recently. The BCM needed around 200 rounds before the groups came down from MOA to .6x and .7x. Before this last weekend I had 300 on the SPR and finally saw some movement to the smaller groups.

The XBR load looks promising in your pics.

[markm]

I wish I'd have taken a pick of the barrel prior to installation. It's ported at .080" and ran nice without the suppressor. With the suppressor, it runs great due to the SLR adjustable block.

It seems to like the 55 gr gamekings with XBR the best.

[Pappabear]

The settling in period is an interesting thing. I have two precision barrels, a BCM 16" SS 410 and a White Oak 18" SPR that I put together just recently. The BCM needed around 200 rounds before the groups came down from MOA to .6x and .7x. Before this last weekend I had 300 on the SPR and finally saw some movement to the smaller groups.

The XBR load looks promising in your pics.

It is going to be interesting to watch this barrel settle in. Maybe it likes XBR, maybe a certain velocity, bullet weight..but finding the right combo is going to be a fun project. Id really like for it to shoot our 77 load MOA just because I like that stuff. Mark built a White Oak SPR 18 inch for me, it was a laser beam for a long time.

[Vegas]

I have a standard Varget load that my BCM likes with either 77gr SMK or 75gr Hornady. In the WOA it's been MOA so far so figured I would give the XBR a try. Shows some promise at 22.9 with 77gr SMK. Forgive the 4 round group, lost count on the group before!

[Pappabear]

I have a standard Varget load that my BCM likes with either 77gr SMK or 75gr Hornady. In the WOA it's been MOA so far so figured I would give the XBR a try. Shows some promise at 22.9 with 77gr SMK. Forgive the 4 round group, lost count on the group before!

Thats legit shooting and grouping. That XBR has treated is so good and produced some really hot loads that performed well.

PB

[Vegas]

Thanks. Wondering how far I can push it velocity wise and retain accuracy. What are your experiences? At 22.9 I think I can probably go another .5gr.

[Pappabear]

Thanks. Wondering how far I can push it velocity wise and retain accuracy. What are your experiences? At 22.9 I think I can probably go another .5gr.

Mark was at 24.2 with the Gamekings 55gr, so I would expect you to be safe. We found a good variation in lot to lot "hotness" with XBR, but you have already got a base load, so you should be fine. Do you know your velocity?

PB

[Vegas]

I chrono'd 5 groups yesterday and got 2703, 2710, 2715, 2716 and 2730 averages. 2710 and 2730 were loaded at 2.24" and the rest at 2.25". The worst ES at 111 is the best group that you see above. The others were 30, 40 and 50 ES. All loaded on a Dillon 550. Usually when I know I am going to be shooting distance, I use a single stage set up and the ES comes down to 20-30 consistently.

[Pappabear]

I chrono'd 5 groups yesterday and got 2703, 2710, 2715, 2716 and 2730 averages. 2710 and 2730 were loaded at 2.24" and the rest at 2.25". The worst ES at 111 is the best group that you see above. The others were 30, 40 and 50 ES. All loaded on a Dillon 550. Usually when I know I am going to be shooting distance, I use a single stage set up and the ES comes down to 20-30 consistently.

Mark does not single hand load any 556 ammo and produces MOA ammo all day every day. That 111 ES is a bit out there. Black Hills produces 2800fps plus out of a 20 inch gun, the Gold Standard! You may bump a little, but go slow to make sure its safe. How big are the squares on your target ? or should I just ask, what size is that group? What primers are you running?

PB

PB

[misfit47]

I'm going to use one of those barrels for my next build. 16" mid length with 1/8, pencil profile. They tend to settle into about 1.5 moa. They are cheap, but good. They do require a breaking in period as you see.
Great barrel for a lightweight build. They heat up fast, but cool down fast as well.