Thoughts and reviews on 1-9 Twist Grendel Barrels

[PrecisionFirearms]

We have a option to purchase a large quantity of 6.5 Barrels with 1-9 Twist. These are left overs from the company that made them for Sabre Defence. Before buying these I am wondering how many folks would be interested in these. The cost will be in the neighborhood of $350. Available as 20,22,24 inch Heavy Bull Barrel. Fluting available for $140

Has anyone has experience with 1-9 Twist?

Mark Hostetter
Precision Firearms

[KentuckyBuddha]

Many of us have. It is a fine choice for going from 85-123gr. If I recall correctly, it is the rate Bill Recommended after boat loads of research.

[woohoo]

Are those 410 stainless?

[cory]

I think it's Bwild who swears by it, and he has data for up to the 140gr projectiles to back it up.

I believe I remember one member having problems stabilizing the barnes solids with that twist, but I think his barrel was a sub 20". Don't quote me on the barrel length though.

[VASCAR2]

I have two 1:9 twist 6.5 Grendel barrels, a Shilen 20" and a J&T 16". I have shot 85, 90, 95, 100, 120 and 123 grain bullets in the 16" with excellent results. All I have shot in my Shilen are 123 grain and both barrels can out shoot my ability.

From my reading it appears the Winchester 264 Magnum uses a 1:9 twist with loads from 85 grains to at least 140 grains.

I wouldn't hesitate buying another 1:9 twist 6.5 Grendel as both my 1:9 twist have kept bullets stable to 800 yards.

[PrecisionFirearms]

Are those 410 stainless?

yes they are.

[ThatRandomGuy]

As long as PF was willing to confirm correct chambers, I'd be interested

[Tedward]

The Shilen's at Midway are 1/9 twist.

Reading Shilen's site the other night too. The do not recommend to flute barrels, but just another companies opinion I guess. Whats your take on this:

What about "fluting" a barrel?
Fluting is a service we neither offer nor recommend. If you have a Shilen barrel fluted, the warranty is void. Fluting a barrel can induce unrecoverable stresses that will encourage warping when heated and can also swell the bore dimensions, causing loose spots in the bore. A solid (un-fluted) barrel is more rigid than a fluted barrel of equal diameter. A fluted barrel is more rigid than a solid barrel of equal weight. All rifle barrels flex when fired. Accuracy requires that they simply flex the same and return the same each time they are fired, hence the requirement for a pillar bedded action and free floating barrel. The unrecoverable stresses that fluting can induce will cause the barrel to flex differently or not return from the flexing without cooling down a major amount. This is usually longer than a shooter has to wait for the next shot. The claim of the flutes helping to wick heat away faster is true, but the benefit of the flutes is not recognizable in this regard until the barrel is already too hot.

http://www.shilen.com/faq.html#question8

[rickOshay]

I believe I remember one member having problems stabilizing the barnes solids with that twist, but I think his barrel was a sub 20". Don't quote me on the barrel length though.

I had problems with the 140 gr NBT's in my 16" Shaw (J&T) barrel. Poor accuracy at 100 yards.

But then, I don't see the need to shoot 140 grain projectiles in a Grendel.

[lilharcher]

I have a 20" fluted, 410 stainless, 1-9 twist, Sabre defense grendel barrel.......chambered properly and takes type II bolt. It is a shooter! I will try to post some pics this weekend.

[kamrr4437]

I believe that MrSurgicalPrecision on youtube-all the videos he shot were with a sabre defense barrel. Looked like it shot pretty good to me. I never heard anything bad about sabre's barrels when they were in business. Only there other business in the media and such. But i believe it would be quality stuff. Ive used lots of fluted barrels and never had any problem with them. Fluting it also creates more surface area which also helps strengthen the barrel. Most manufacturers like to do the fluting thereselves to make sure that its done right with the stress relieving and what not. Some will not warranty a barrel unless they do the fluting thereselves. But looking at what ive seen from Precision Firearms im sure you could get one fluted from them with no worries. I have never had a barrel with crappy accuracy with fluting. Is it necessary not really. Its more of an aesthetic eye candy for pleasing the eye and sure looks sweet. But realistically i dont think any of us are going to be really utilizing the fluting because none of us are going to go and rambo out one of our grendel barrels with some rapid fire and some spray and pray lol. Well some might i guess lol.

[poli]

Fluting it also creates more surface area which also helps strengthen the barrel.

This is a very good video explaining fluted vs. non-fluted barrels: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSMwCXO2gbU

[Drifter]

Reference this quote:

It is our conclusion that the 9 twist offers the best solution for the Grendel for barrels of 20" and longer while the 18" and shorter barrels thrive on 7.5 twist.

Link to source with more details:

http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthread.php?1854-Best-twist-rate

[BluntForceTrauma]

What if one promised — Scout's Honor — to shoot only 123gr and below in a 14.5" or 16" 6.5 Grendel barrel? Could one, then, get by with a 1:9 instead of 1:7.5?

This only assumes that there'd be a velocity advantage to the 1:9 in that short of a barrel, which may actually be an unfounded assumption.

John

[LRRPF52]

I think stability factor is the main consideration here. Shorter barrels need a tighter twist to keep the pill spinning optimally due to less mv.

Higher mv keeps the stab factor higher.