Carbon Fiber Barrels

Carbon wrapped barrels look really "cool/interesting" but are not worth the hype.

Carbon fibre has it's perks, in the right applications. I'm preferring an IM 6/7/8 carbon fishing rod over fibreglass or bamboo any day.

But steel and carbon fibre is not a dream marriage of materials, IMO
 
270WSMXBolt said:
Here's a couple guys testing deflection and heat transfer. FF> a bit.. it's a little dry but some valid info. Cheers
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Very decent Basic video on comparing the 2 types of barrels - No need for me paying double on a hunting RIFLE and we want weight on Target rifle Barrels so i Prob will Never own one ! jmo

I'm shooting a friends 6.5 PRC rifle right now with a CF wrapped barrel and its NOT near as FAST or ACCURATE as my All Steel 6.5 PRC Benchmark is ! I know that proves nothing BUT doesnt make me want one for my next build - thats ALL ! - jmo
 
Weatherby Fan said:
I've used dozens of Carbon Fiber barrels on builds, some older Proof Research Barrels, Older Hells Canyon which had Benchmark Liners, Bartlein and mostly Benchmark, the whole idea is to get the stiffness of a target barrel that weighs the same as a #2 contour barrel,

heat dissipation is a tricky situation with CF barrels as if to much resin is used in the wrapping process it will not dissipate the heat as needed or as advertised, some companies have this down to a science some not so much.

I have had excellent results with Benchmark CF wrapped barrels, we use them mainly on our 300 PRC builds for long range shooting, my older brother just shot his Elk at 679 yards....so he was extremely happy with his new build and his 6 point Elk.

My older brothers 300 PRC-26" Benchmark 1-8 twist barrel
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My 300 PRC 26" Benchmark Barrel 1-8 twist
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My Nephews 300 PRC 24" Benchmark 1-8.5 twist
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The other Nephews 300 PRC 26" 1-8 twist Bencmark
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My 7-6.5 PRCW 26" Benchmark 1-8.5 Twist
View attachment 1219745
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That 7-6.5PRCW is something I dream about 🤣
 
Weatherby Fan said:
I've used dozens of Carbon Fiber barrels on builds, some older Proof Research Barrels, Older Hells Canyon which had Benchmark Liners, Bartlein and mostly Benchmark, the whole idea is to get the stiffness of a target barrel that weighs the same as a #2 contour barrel,

heat dissipation is a tricky situation with CF barrels as if to much resin is used in the wrapping process it will not dissipate the heat as needed or as advertised, some companies have this down to a science some not so much.

I have had excellent results with Benchmark CF wrapped barrels, we use them mainly on our 300 PRC builds for long range shooting, my older brother just shot his Elk at 679 yards....so he was extremely happy with his new build and his 6 point Elk.

My older brothers 300 PRC-26" Benchmark 1-8 twist barrel
View attachment 1219735
My 300 PRC 26" Benchmark Barrel 1-8 twist
View attachment 1219736
My Nephews 300 PRC 24" Benchmark 1-8.5 twist
View attachment 1219738

The other Nephews 300 PRC 26" 1-8 twist Bencmark
View attachment 1219739


My 7-6.5 PRCW 26" Benchmark 1-8.5 Twist
View attachment 1219745
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wallz said:
I've been using carbon wrapped barrels for a few years.

First experience was a CF 22LR. Never an issue, shot great. I have since moved on to a different CF barrel and been using it for about 7 years now, and never an issue.

My first center fire carbon barrel was the early Fierce Carbon rifle in 300WM. Again never an issue in the 3-4 years I used to own it, and I'm sure it is serving its new owner well.

Then I moved to my current custom rifle with a proof CF barrel. Again never an issue. Have been shooting this one for the last 5 years.

I do have to say though while shooting off the bench after consecutive 5 shots I do let it cool a bit as I find a point of impact shift, and at distance that is just too far of a shift. But the first 5 shots are never a problem.

While I wouldn't use one for a dedicated bench rifle as they don't cool quick enough, and more of an impact shift than anything else, there is no issue with a hunting rifle and I will continue to use them as my wants allow.

Yea they are a little bit more, but I love the look of them on the rifle. Its kinda like adding fluting on a standard barrel, yea they look nice, but it costs more. Why do most pay more for it?

Plus you take a standard barrel, add fluting, and a color cerekote on the fluting, and you are right there in CF barrel territory for $$. I'd go CF every time over that, but that is my flavour.
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What kind of accuracy can you guys get from an average 4 shot group? Not the best, but an honest estimate on any given day.
 
When it comes to heat dissipation in Hunting Rifle barrels regardless if it CF Wrapped or a SS barrel its a non issue from my perspective especially with quality aftermarket barrels like a Benchmark or Bartlein, they are hunting rifles not target rifles, unless the bullets start walking after the first shot which I have never seen in a good custom barrel regardless of contour.

So for me I can't tell a difference in either style of barrel being better than the other as far as heat dissipation, I will say with a steel barrel when you put your hand on it after each shot you know exactly what your getting.

I rarely shoot five shot groups, usually only shoot a five shot group after load development is complete.
I shoot a pile of 3 shot groups as imho if you haven't shot the deer, elk or moose with the first three shots you're probably not getting them with the next two or three shots either !
 
Bustercluck said:
What kind of accuracy can you guys get from an average 4 shot group? Not the best, but an honest estimate on any given day.
Click to expand...

Mostly only shoot three shot groups with hand loads have shot a few 5 shot groups with factory ammo, every rifle is different but its not to hard to hold .75" groups or less,
 

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A few years back I was fortunate to spend a couple of weeks guiding the guys from Christensen Arms and their clients. After 2 weeks listening to them talking in the truck, the hut, on the hill, and at the pub, I thought to meself that I wouldnt ever bother fitting a CF barrel to one of my rifles. Steel and CF expand and contract at different rates, the hotter it gets, the more it is exaggerated. This can eventually lead to separation between a very thin metal barrel liner and a carbon fibre wrap regardless of how much resin or quality of resin. Probably not an issue if you only fire 1 or 2 shots at a time, but its very rare to see a carbon barrel in a PRS match for that very reason. And apparently the physics of it also means that if you use sufficient CF and resin to maintain the integrity to the same degree as a metal barrel, then they both weigh pretty much a muchness. I have seen a good number of CF wrapped barrels start to wander at some shooting comps - only to be replaced very soon after with all metal barrels.
If I wanted a cool looking rifle, made of modern materials, and didnt intend to shoot off more than 4 or 5 rounds in one sitting, then CF certainly looks cool and will work fine. But should I need a work rifle that performs every time regardless of 1 shot or a 10 shot string, then I wouldnt be using a CF wrapped barrel.
 
The best ten shot group I've shot in my life was with a Proof carbon wrapped barrel ~ 0.43moa @ 200 meters (0.97")

I have six carbon wrapped barrels and two more on order for upcoming builds. No issues with durability on the field but I did see a Bergara CF barrel that had some nasty chunks missing in the carbon from the rifle falling over and landing on a chain saw blade
 
^^ You sure it wasn't a gas axe ?

Never seen a "chain saw blade".

Chain saws have bars and chains but I realize where the carbon fibre damage can come from.

Now you gotta fix that, put some more resin on it or it will deteriorate real quick. By fixing diy you'll create a stress point - an unconformity in the barrel....
 
Backcountryal said:
A few years back I was fortunate to spend a couple of weeks guiding the guys from Christensen Arms and their clients. After 2 weeks listening to them talking in the truck, the hut, on the hill, and at the pub, I thought to meself that I wouldnt ever bother fitting a CF barrel to one of my rifles. Steel and CF expand and contract at different rates, the hotter it gets, the more it is exaggerated. This can eventually lead to separation between a very thin metal barrel liner and a carbon fibre wrap regardless of how much resin or quality of resin. Probably not an issue if you only fire 1 or 2 shots at a time, but its very rare to see a carbon barrel in a PRS match for that very reason. And apparently the physics of it also means that if you use sufficient CF and resin to maintain the integrity to the same degree as a metal barrel, then they both weigh pretty much a muchness. I have seen a good number of CF wrapped barrels start to wander at some shooting comps - only to be replaced very soon after with all metal barrels.
If I wanted a cool looking rifle, made of modern materials, and didnt intend to shoot off more than 4 or 5 rounds in one sitting, then CF certainly looks cool and will work fine. But should I need a work rifle that performs every time regardless of 1 shot or a 10 shot string, then I wouldnt be using a CF wrapped barrel.
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Great INFORMATION 👍 Thxs for that’s 😉
 
riversrest said:
^^ You sure it wasn't a gas axe ?

Never seen a "chain saw blade".

Chain saws have bars and chains but I realize where the carbon fibre damage can come from.

Now you gotta fix that, put some more resin on it or it will deteriorate real quick. By fixing diy you'll create a stress point - an unconformity in the barrel....
Click to expand...
Then it’s gonna shoot crooked - but Right or Left 🤷‍♂️😃
 
I was very critical about the carbon/steel combination and what sense it would make in a rifle. The first one I tried was a Hardy barrel on a 6.5CM and it shot fantastic. Barrel weighed less than a sporter barrel. Then a 300wm with proof light carbon that shot better than the three other steel barrelled 300's I had before. Then a Proof prefit carbon on a 6.5CM Tikka that shoots fantastic. Now we have a 7PRC from Snowy Mountain Rifle Montana that also shoots super good. I don't want a normal barrel anymore. One reason is that the mix of materials leads to a very good dampening of vibration. Takes the "ping" out a little. They shoot different. Of course carbon transfers heat in one direction more than the other but the large volume of resin does not conduct well meaning overall they hold heat more than a steel barrel. Just grab a carbon barrel in the winter vs a steel barrel, does not feel as cold. In a hunting rifle there is more positive than negativ.
edi
 
Love mine. It does take longer to cool down than a steel barrel, but no rusting, very lightweight, and exceptionally hard and resistant.

For my use case, e.g. trudging through the foothills and woods - it's perfect.

For reference;

Bergara B-14 Squared Crest Carbon CF
7 PRC
Burris Veracity 4-20x50



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