Rifleing types 4 groove vs 5r

[Grizzle]

Ordering a 6mm barrel for a 6 prc build and having a hard time finding a consensus on 4 groove vs 5r rifleing since both options are available. Sounds like in theory the 5r has advantages? Any advice is appreciated.

 

[zrodwyo]

There definitely is no consensus. Highly likely that it does not matter.

 

[Ryan Avery]

Doesn't matter!!! but people will try to tell you it does.

 

[Hondo64d]

I don’t think it matters from an accuracy perspective, but Bartlein did tell me they thought the 5R is a little easier on bullet jackets, which could matter if your spinning the long high BC bullets fast enough to stabilize them.

John

 

[wind gypsy]

My understanding - 5r are a little bit easier on jackets. 4 groove is a little easier to chamber. Ive seen extremely anal accuracy smiths (alex wheeler, Mike @ TacOps, etc) indicate they go 4 groove if they had to pick one but either should be capable of shooting well. I pick 4 groove when I have a choice but that has been for less overbore cartridges. 5r might be nice for a 6 PRC if you're wanting to shoot ELDms.

 

[LaHunter]

I have a 22 Creed with a Krieger 26" 4 groove , 1:8 twist barrel. I only have 45 rounds down the barrel so far with 80 grain ELDMs from 3200 up to 3300 fps and they have shot very well. I have / had three other rifle barrels (.223 & 7 rem mag) from Krieger with their standard 4 groove barrels and all have been very accurate. I have never had any issues with my 4 groove barrels.

 

[Lawnboi]

4,5,6 no difference I have seen.

 

[Wrench]

I have 3, 4 and 5r right now in 6mm. I think 5r is a gimmick. I have been surprised by the 3 in that it is the fastest of the bunch by about 50-70fps.....the 5r is the slowest. The 3 was tighter than my smallest 6mm pilot.

 

[Ryan Avery]

I have 3, 4 and 5r right now in 6mm. I think 5r is a gimmick. I have been surprised by the 3 in that it is the fastest of the bunch by about 50-70fps.....the 5r is the slowest. The 3 was tighter than my smallest 6mm pilot.

5r is over hyped by the barrel making expert….

 

[Castle Rock]

I don’t agree with that, probably more records held by barts in 5R than anything else…

 

[Ryan Avery]

I don’t agree with that, probably more records held by barts in 5R than anything else…

That's the argument 5R lovers use, but I have never missed an animal at any distance because my barrels were not accurate enough. So again, for hunting, even and long-range, it doesn't matter, IMO.

 

[wind gypsy]

 

[Ryan Avery]

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Yep, we chase our tail too much on this stuff. A good barrel is a good barrel.

 

[Carl Ross]

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Rescigno was who came to mind first regarding 5R vs 4...didn't know Alex's opinion till now.

I like guns that shoot very well, but I'm not personally interested in squeezing out the last iota of accuracy potential if it's going to cost all my free time and money. One thing I like about PRS & NRL is there is a "good enough" accuracy standard and it doesn't take a specific groove configuration or barrel manufacturer to get there. Short range or 1000 yard benchrest is impressive, but doesn't sound like fun - to me. Most hunting applications are similar, once you're working with decent components assembled correctly, it's not usually hard to find "good enough".