It's wild how many don't run a cover. They cut mirage so much when you're shooting more than a few rounds. Been a long time since I've been to the range without a cover on mine. I have the precision underground covers with the cord to snug them on and keep them from sliding forward.
The carbon barrels are better in most cases. They stay lightweight for hunting and can handle more heat before wandering than a pencil thin hunting barrel. Also I like the nice rigid barrel as a supressor host, and most people running a cross are likely adding one. I had an original cross in...
My best group from my Tikka. 20" proof 223 prefit, Bravo, Athlon Helos BTR Gen2 4-20 (Now has a Cronus Gen2 4.5-29). Shooting Freedom Munitions 69gr BTHP.
That's the same way I do them, I have a mechforce vise and the same external wrench. I'm 5 for 5 thus far without issue.
Can't wait for my 7PRC Proof to come in, I bought the 22" Proof barrel and a Stocky's carbon VG for $1050 during their black friday sale. Definitely a deal I couldn't...