Carbon Fibre Barrels

Would you own a Carbon fibre wrapped barrel

  • No

    Votes: 5 35.7%
  • I don’t think they have any gain

    Votes: 3 21.4%
  • Maybe

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Yes

    Votes: 6 42.9%
  • They are too expensive

    Votes: 1 7.1%
  • I would try it

    Votes: 2 14.3%
  • Don’t bother

    Votes: 1 7.1%

  • Total voters
    14

CBH Australia

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So I’m thinking I might build a rifle on a Tikka action with a Carbon Fibre barrel. No disrespect to those I have consulted or discussed it with I value your opinion but this is a one off. If it’s a mistake it’s one I have to learn from.
I discussed this with several people including the gunsmith.
The IBI Carbon wrapped is $900, some stainless blanks come close in price. Other Carbon wrapped are 50% more in price.

There are no 7mm IBI stainless blanks listed with Cleavers and stock sells out fast. IBI just happen to be reasonably priced.

What are the pros and cons of wrapped barrels?
Will it be stiffer due to profile? 26”
It’s not going to be a high volume shooter or target rifle, it should not run too hot.

It’s not a mountain hunter but there are those out there that’s use them for the perceived benefits of light weight, stiffer barrel . Opinions vary.

It would not look at home in Africa, or even in Outback Australia but it’s just a rifle with a different barrel.

Again, I value what others have said and asking more of what others have experienced. Some don’t like synthetic stocks, I think the cheap ones are cheap but there are good synthetic/fibreglass/composite stocks out there.

Is a C/F wrapped barrel a case of a cheap one is cheap:A Wacko:
 
I have one, albeit it's a rimfire, but yes it does get hot. Have seen a few at the range that guys had built for hunting mountainous areas in the western U.S. I shot one in .300 PRC and it was a lightweight but with a brake, not much recoil. Was very accurate and IIRC, good for two or three shots.
 
The issue that I'm aware of is you may not be able to do much with it later. So if you get one or have a smith who knows how to fit one to an action do the work, it may be a case of living with it as is. Most experienced gunsmiths I know won't touch one. And those who have messed with them say never again. The techniques with working with them may have changed the last few years though sooo not 100% sure current status within the trade. Not to mention the basic cost... if AUD is $900 that's about $640 USD. A really good "regular" barrel here is roughly $300 USD.
 
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I have a proof barrel in 300 win mag. Best thing I have ever built. Has less recoil than my son’s .243 Shoots extremely accurate. Took her out to 600 yards with 3 moa. Needed a rifle a little bigger than my 6.5 Creedmoor.
 
I’m curious to know the benefit besides weight reduction. Is there any? Would it better resist POI shift after multiple shots?
(I have no experience with a carbon fiber barrel.)
 
I have a very accurate 6.5 GAPP with carbon barrel. The advantage is weight. The disadvantage is POI change after the barrel gets real hot. They work great for precision shooting and hunting but if you want to shoot a lot of rounds in quick succession, such as for a military application or plinking, a carbon barrel is not a good choice.
 
I’m curious to know the benefit besides weight reduction. Is there any? Would it better resist POI shift after multiple shots?
(I have no experience with a carbon fiber barrel.)
No, POI will usually shift when a carbon barrel gets too hot.
 
So I’m thinking I might build a rifle on a Tikka action with a Carbon Fibre barrel. No disrespect to those I have consulted or discussed it with I value your opinion but this is a one off. If it’s a mistake it’s one I have to learn from.
I discussed this with several people including the gunsmith.
The IBI Carbon wrapped is $900, some stainless blanks come close in price. Other Carbon wrapped are 50% more in price.

There are no 7mm IBI stainless blanks listed with Cleavers and stock sells out fast. IBI just happen to be reasonably priced.

What are the pros and cons of wrapped barrels?
Will it be stiffer due to profile? 26”
It’s not going to be a high volume shooter or target rifle, it should not run too hot.

It’s not a mountain hunter but there are those out there that’s use them for the perceived benefits of light weight, stiffer barrel . Opinions vary.

It would not look at home in Africa, or even in Outback Australia but it’s just a rifle with a different barrel.

Again, I value what others have said and asking more of what others have experienced. Some don’t like synthetic stocks, I think the cheap ones are cheap but there are good synthetic/fibreglass/composite stocks out there.

Is a C/F wrapped barrel a case of a cheap one is cheap:A Wacko:
Unless you are a real target shooter you will have a difficult time beating the stock Tikka barrel for accuracy. I have one and have recently heard numerous custom rifle builders comment on how hard it is for them to beat a Tikka barrel and action. My 7mm Mag was around $600 on Gunbroker and has been my go to gun.
Philip
 
Tikka's are great guns. I have had 2 of them. One was a .270 WSM that I sold a while back as I wasn't shooting it much. The second was a .300 WSM with a wicked recoil. Clean the barrel and 8-10 shots at 1/3 MOA accuracy and then downhill from there to 3 MOA soon thereafter. So I rebarreled that Tika. Put on a Christenson Arms Carbon fiber barrel. Turned it into a 6.5SS ( think of it as a 6.5 SAUM AI). Put it into a new stock this year. Hunting last year and this one I'm 6 shots for 6 dead animals so I'm pleased.
Seems like a pretty good price for a new carbon fiber barrel. Might see how the company's reputation is for accuracy. That would likely be my first concern. Good luck.
Bruce
 
I’ve owned a Christensen Ridgleine and now I have A Fierce Carbon Fury. Both rifles feature carbon fiber wrapped barrels. I can tell you from experience that the Christensen when hot would change point of impact. The gun was super accurate “1/2” groups until hot.
The fierce doesn’t change POI at all. Shoot 20 rounds and it’s still stupid accurate.
If you want a carbon barrel, I would recommend Proof and don’t look back.
 
@fourfive8 I want to hear the good , the bad and the ugly. from as many as I can

Other than IBI at $400 most barrels are over $500 From what I have seen online.

I’m not sure they are the be all and end all but it’s an interest and a hobby.

Unless you are a real target shooter you will have a difficult time beating the stock Tikka barrel for accuracy. I have one and have recently heard numerous custom rifle builders comment on how hard it is for them to beat a Tikka barrel and action. My 7mm Mag was around $600 on Gunbroker and has been my go to gun.
Philip
I agree, I like my Tikkas and they have a good reputation for being good shooters.
I tried to buy a new 7X64mm for re-chambering but it seems they are discontinued or at least by the Australian importer. I could not order one from a large retailer.

At $1500 for a lite stainless (new) it would he e been a cheap conversion.

A lot of people are saying their Proof Research barrels are really good. A quick look into them shows they do more than barrels and are C/F specialists.

IBI stainless barrels are getting good results, as for their carbon wrapped only time will tell I guess.
 
I might should also mention that Bartlein barrels has recently started making carbon fiber barrels. They make a very good quality regular steel barrel. I would bet that they did a lot of research before they started making them.
Bruce
 

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