Help me decide: 24" Shilen 1:9 vs 20" mcgowen 1:11

[Livn68]

Just like the title says.. I'm in the middle of a build and can't decide between these two barrels. I plan on using it on coyotes, so I'll be using heavier bullets. This leans me towards the 1:9, but I want to be able to shoot the 34-39g bullets too. Any 1:9 users have experience shooting that weight range bullet?

Thanks!

[Tokimini]

I have a Shilen 1:9 on my Remington 700 and the barrel is superb. It will pump out sub half inch 5 shot groups at 100 yards all day long if I do my part. The best bullets I've found are 39gr BlitzKings and 40gr Bergers. The 32s are iffy. Sometimes with them I'd get half inch groups, sometimes they would keyhole and I'd get 1 foot groups. Bottom line is the Shilen will give you laser like accuracy with the heavier bullets but stay away from the 32s.

[Grendel]

I have a 24" Shilen 1:9 (Heavy Barrel) on my AR and it seems to prefer the heavier projectiles like the 39grn HPs, but still groups sub MOA with the 32grn'ers

[montdoug]

Have you considered the possibility of a Pac-Nor Super Match 3 groove? They make them in the following twists 7" 8" 8.50" 9" 10" 11" 12" 14" and 16".
A 10" twist might allow you to cover all the base including the lighter bullets. I've used the 11" and 12" twist in various .20's and had outstanding luck with their barrels. Just a thought.

[Sidewinderwa]

I have not had good luck with Shilen and just took one off so I can have a Benchmark barrel put on. The gunsmiths I talked to were not fans either, said that some of them are out of round. The 1:11 barrel should stabilize the 39 and 40 grain 204. Hope you shoot bug holes with your new rifle.

[Jim White]

I have not had good luck with Shilen and just took one off so I can have a Benchmark barrel put on. The gunsmiths I talked to were not fans either, said that some of them are out of round. The 1:11 barrel should stabilize the 39 and 40 grain 204. Hope you shoot bug holes with your new rifle.

Let m know how the Benchmark barrel works out. As a local outfit I'd be inclined to pass my business to them, besides, they're within driving distance for me.

Jim

[Sidewinderwa]

Let m know how the Benchmark barrel works out. As a local outfit I'd be inclined to pass my business to them, besides, they're within driving distance for me.

Jim, this will by my 3rd Benchmark barrel. They made 20 VarTarg and 6.5-284 barrels and both have shot well for me. I shot 4 prairie dogs at 575 yards with 3 shots in a row with the VarTarg. 750 yards with the 6.5 on prairie dogs so far. That little rock at just over 1000 yards sure looked like a dog but that is not quite the same. I need more practice!!!