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7/10/2007 6:54:00 PM EDT
I though I might go to a match grade barrel for more precision shooting.
I have a Bushmaster V-match 20 inch. I thing it is the h-bar heavy barrel currently
It does shoot good generally less than 1 MOA with Hornady ammo.
What kind of accuracy could I expect if I did go to a match grade barrel?

If I change my barrel to a match grade barrel should I change the bolt also? does it matter that the bolt would have 1000 round with the other barrel.

steve
7/11/2007 5:25:34 AM EDT
[#1]
What trigger are you using?

When you measure your groups, how many rounds do you typically shoot?

Less than MOA on a regular basis is pretty darned good for the AR platform. I'm not sure the price differential going to a true match grade barrel would be worth it in any practical sense. There's a lot going on with an AR that makes precision shooting a bit more difficult than with a bolt action. If you're not using a match trigger, this will make more difference than a new barrel. You might also want to consider freefloating your current barrel if you aren't already doing so.

However, if you do get a match barrel, be sure to get a matching bolt. Using a bolt with 1000rds through it with a new precision barrel will not help your accuracy, even though headspacing might be OK. The wear patterns on the bolt and barrel extension will be mismatched.
7/11/2007 5:32:43 AM EDT
[#2]
I thought a Bushmaster V-match rifle came with the match barrel?

mike

ps - if, like in my old Bushmaster rifles, you'll feed it some quality Federal GM or Black Hills match ammo w/ the 69grn SMK (if 1/9 twist) or the 77grn SMK (if 1/7) you'll find the additional accuracy you are looking for.

Mine seemed to prefer the ogive of the Sierra Matchkings to the ogive on the Hornady bullets.
7/11/2007 6:49:17 PM EDT
[#3]
Thanks for the replies.

The rifle has a fully floated barrel and a 2 stage trigger tuned by if I remember it right, I think it is John Hollinder.

I carries a Leupold 3-9x40 Tactical scope.

I shoot 5  shot groups with 50 grain Hornady  v-max.
often 3 of the 5 go 5/8's of an inch or smaller.
In the end the group is at 1 inch.
It does not shoot the Federal Gold Match 69 grains as good at 100 yards.
7/11/2007 8:05:42 PM EDT
[#4]
Unless you reload the ammo yourself to fine tune the load(s) to your barrel, changing out this BM V-match to another "match grade" barrel won't make much difference, specially when we are talking about 200 yds or less.
7/12/2007 3:58:24 AM EDT
[#5]
BM puts their regular chrome lined HB on the V-Match.  It is not the match barrel that they put on their Varminter and Predator.

But the V-Match can be accurate.  Mine can shoot just under 1 MOA with certain ammo (BH 55gr, Winchester Supreme 55gr).
7/12/2007 4:18:11 PM EDT
[#6]

Quoted:
I thought a Bushmaster V-match rifle came with the match barrel?


Common misconception that Bushmaster does NOT want to quell...

Bushmaster uses the term V-match for ANY rifle/upper that they sell with a freefloat handguard tube and shaved front sight base.
As was already stated, they use the same chrome lined barrels as all the other builds.
7/12/2007 7:30:56 PM EDT
[#7]

Quoted:
I thought a Bushmaster V-match rifle came with the match barrel?


Common misconception that Bushmaster does NOT want to quell...

Bushmaster uses the term V-match for ANY rifle/upper that they sell with a freefloat handguard tube and shaved front sight base.
As was already stated, they use the same chrome lined barrels as all the other builds.

Correct, that is why I asked if a match or a better quality barrel would be a improvement?

Thank for all the responses
7/13/2007 10:36:03 AM EDT
[#8]

Quoted:
Correct, that is why I asked if a match or a better quality barrel would be a improvement?


That would depend on if the shooter or the barrel is the limiting factor at this time.
If you are out-shooting your barrel, a better barrel helps.
If your barrel out-performs your shooting ability, then a better barrel will not help.
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