Canadian Firearms Safety Course Answers
Read moreSep 8, 2022
Information & Education
Rifle Accuracy and Precision, Your Questions Answered
Gain twist barrels, is there merit there?
Yes and no. The theory of a gain twist barrel is sound in regards to lessening bullet deformation, but not something that is widely used or produced.
For more on this listen to podcast Ep. 36 at time: [00:02:52 – 00:09:04]
Your specifications say barrel within .0001”-.0002”, which is extremely consistent. Many people talk about 22lr barrels needing a ‘Choke’. With this consistency, are your barrels not choked and is it really required?
IBI barrels are not choked, as it is not necessary given their production process.
To find a more in-depth answer, listen to podcast Ep. 36 at time: [00:09:04 – 00:14:48]
Is it common to have a schnooble, schnabel on the end of a barrel?
No. The schnooble has a humorous origin story that should be listened to in the podcast. It is essentially a bulge on the end of the barrel to prevent bore deformation and ensure the muzzle end of the bore stays tight. It is used in specialized circumstances.
Learn more by listening to podcast Ep. 36 at time: [00:14:48 – 00:18:11]
Barrel length, short or long for accuracy, which is better?
It depends. Short and long both have benefits with short being more rigid and long providing a full powder burn and velocity. There is more to this which should be listened to.
To find out what it depends on, listen between [00:18:11 – 00:21:55] of Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast.
They say you need a straight barrel bore for accuracy, is it true? How straight is the bore?
No. In fact, many bores can have deviance when producing. What is essential is the quality of the barrel, the cutters and manufacturing process.
To learn more about this, listen between [00:23:03 – 00:25:25] of Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast.
Is there such a thing as a hummer barrel as a hummer barrel?
Maybe. There do seem to be some barrels that just shoot. IBI produces it’s barrels to consistent standards allowing for each barrel to be a “hummer” barrel.
Listen between [00:25:25 – 00:25:25] of Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast for additional details.
What is the purpose of the shnobel on a barrel?
To ensure that there’s no bore growth.
More details about this can be heard on Episode 36 of the Silvercore Podcast at this time: [00:28:40 – 00:29:29]
Any plans on a barrel in 6.5 PRC?
Yes.
More details on Episode 36 of the Silvercore Podcast at this time: [00:29:29 – 00:30:25]
Is there any accuracy or other differences between the number of grooves a barrel has?
No. Provided the projectile is making a proper seal and is being spun enough to alleviate pitch and yaw, more grooves does not necessarily mean more accuracy.
To find a more in-depth answer, listen to podcast Ep. 36 at time: [00:30:25 – 00:32:13]
Is there any truth to barrel break-in?
No. This is a hotly debated subject but IBI’s scientific testing shows time and again that a barrel that is property constructed will not benefit from a barrel break in procedure. In fact, it could prematurely age the barrel.
Learn more by listening to podcast Ep. 36 at time: [00:32:13 – 00:35:34]
How international is IBI?
Fairly international. IBI ships all over most of the world with high end shooters and gunsmiths as clients in many countries.
Added response can be heard on Episode 36 of the Silvercore Podcast between [00:35:34 – 00:39:23]
What's up with “seasoning” a barrel for rimfire? I’ve heard all about fouling up a barrel, but is there any truth to it?
Yes. .22 barrels do show increased accuracy benefits from “seasoning”.
To learn more about this, listen between [00:39:24 – 00:43:13] of Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast.
How as a manufacturer do you make your barrels shoot well enough to be competitive at the highest level?
IBI controls all the processes when making the barrels much in the same way a high level athlete will control each and every part of their performance to achieve a consistent outcome.
To find a more in-depth answer, listen to podcast Ep. 36 at time: [00:43:13 – 00:46:02]
With modern barrels is there any point in choosing say a Varmint/bull barrel or standard barrel for long range shooting?
It depends.
To find out what it depends on, listen between [00:46:02 – 00:51:05] of Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast.
I’m trying to find a good reload using solid copper bullets (such as barnes ttsx, nosler e-tip, etc) in a tikka with a 1 in a 11 twist. I’m seeing lots of articles suggesting that you don’t go by weight of the bullet, but rather the length. Why is that? And is that the true way to find a good bullet for a barrel?
There is some truth to solid copper bullets being a little different than lead cup and core bullets.
To find a more in-depth answer, listen to podcast Ep. 36 at time: [00:51:05 – 00:57:10]
For my hunting rig, with weight saving in mind, should I go with a pencil barrel or a canon fibre wrap of the same length?
It depends. Carbon fibre will provide light weight and less deviation over multiple rounds than a pencil barrel, but if you are only taking one or two shots, perhaps the cost savings of the pencil barrel would be desirable. If it’s not a cost issue, get the carbon fibre.
To find out what it depends on, listen between [00:57:38 – 01:00:12] of Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast.
Fast twist 22lr barrels?
Yes. They’re coming soon.
Hear more between [01:00:12 – 01:04:35] on Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast.
Cold bore vs. Clean bore.
Cold bore is more likely cold shooter shot. Clean bore is definitely a thing. Make sure to dry patch, or better fire fouling rounds after cleaning your bore to ensure you don’t encounter first round deviation.
For more in-depth information on this listen between [01:04:35 – 01:06:13] on Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast.
How often do you clean your bore?
It depends. Previously, the bore would be cleaned when accuracy depredation was observed, now it has become apparent that it is beneficial to clean the bore prior to that. Ryan explains his process in the podcast and it’s worth listening to.
To find out what it depends on, listen between [01:06:13 – 01:09:07] of Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast.
Best practices for cleaning.
Wipe Out bore cleaner is a favourite. CLR is talked about for the carbon ring and dry patching after letting the wipe out do its magic. Bore guides and aggressive scrubbing with brushes is not a requirement following the method discussed in the podcast.
More details about this can be heard on Episode 36 of the Silvercore Podcast at this time: [01:09:07 – 01:14:20]
Fire lapping.
Fire lapping is simply a way to take your throat erosion down a couple of notches.
For more in-depth information on this listen between [01:14:20 – 01:16:10] on Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast.
Carbon ring.
When you fire, you get a bit of a carbon ring that goes back underneath the edge of the neck of the casing and it forms right where the throat starts. This can cause increased pressure. Out of all the ways to remove a carbon ring, CLR (calcium lime rust) has shown to be effective, but be cautious with chromoly lined barrels.
Learn more about this by listening to Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast at time: [01:16:10 – 01:23:05]
Does an 11 degree target crown make a difference over a 90 degree or other?
Maybe. Realistically a crown is only designed to allow the bullet to exit the bore concentrically. Even poor crowns can still group well, but you can expect the point of impact to change if you damage the crown.
For more in-depth information on this listen between [01:23:05 – 01:24:04] on Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast.
Barrel or stock, which makes the most noticeable difference to accuracy?
Mechanically, probably the barrel. The barrel is the fundamental part of the firearm. While a rifle can shoot without a stock, it would be inoperable without the barrel. After ensuring your barrel is in top condition and construction, a properly fit stock will be the next place to look at increasing accuracy.
For more in-depth information on this listen between [01:24:04 – 01:24:51] on Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast.
Bedding vs. V-blocks.
Bedding aluminum chassies didn’t make a difference. There isn’t a need to bed a Vblock aluminum chassis. Bedding does make a difference on wood stocks and some fibreglass stocks. The goal is to have a consistent mating surface between the action and the stock. In some heavier calibers with large barrels, bedding in front of the recoil lug can help distribute the weight.
For more in-depth information on this listen between[01:24:51 – 01:26:53] on Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast.
Torque settings, are the all that they are cracked up to be?
Torque settings can affect your accuracy, on a couple levels. When it comes to barrels being torqued into the receiver, it is beneficial to not over tighten. Action screws torque settings can affect how a barrelled action fits in a stock and scope rings and bases simply need to be snugged tight. Torque settings can be useful if the user does not have a feel for “how tight” is tight.
Learn more about this by listening to Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast at time: [01:26:53 – 01:30:24]
Is Loctite overused?
Yes!
Hear more about this by listening to Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast at time: [01:30:24 – 01:32:23]
Do barrel tuners work?
Yes. Find out why in the podcast and keep an eye on IBI for their developments on barrel tuners.
For more in-depth information on this listen between [01:32:23 – 01:34:37] on Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast.
Will the optimal load for a barrel change over the barrels lifespan?
No.
Learn more about this by listening to Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast at time: [01:34:37 – 01:35:40]
What is throat erosion and how can it be prevented?
When expanding gas pushes the projectile down, it also tends to cook the steel at the throat. You can’t prevent it, but there are some ways you can reduce the effect. This is explained in the podcast.
Learn more about this by listening to Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast at time: [01:35:40 – 01:37:21]
Will moly coated bullets increase barrel life?
Maybe, but it isn’t conclusive.
To learn why this may or may not, listen between [01:37:21 – 01:40:01] of Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast.
What gives premium barrel a better life span?
It depends. Attention to detail, using sharp tooling and proper conditioning of the metal all go to making a barrel that will shoot well out of the box and not require the owner to monkey around trying to get it to shoot.
Find out what it depends on by listening of Episode 36 of The Silvercore Podcast between [01:40:01 – 01:41:36]
Cryo-treating a barrel, is it worth it.
Not sure, heard good things and bad things.
Learn more by listening to podcast Ep. 36 at time: [01:41:36 – 01:42:33]
Are you looking to learn more about International Barrels, or contact them? Visit their website, call them 604-674-6972, email their support team, or email Ryan directly. You can also reach out to them via social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).
You can listen to episode 36 of our podcast on Podbean, Apple iTunes, YouTube, Spotify, SoundCloud, Google Podcast, and Google Play. All you’ll have to do is search for ‘The Silvercore Podcast.’
