Adams&Bennet

[Lead melter]

I'm thinking of converting my Savage 110 from .308 Win. to .358 Win with an aftermarket barrel. Has anyone used one of the Adams & Bennet barrels such as those from Midway USA?
I noticed that the current Ruger Hawkeye in 35 Whelen has a 1:14 twist while the .358 has a 1:12 twist, but the 1:14 rate is standard for both cartridges from Adams & B.ennet. Does someone know something I don't? Twist rate is not critical, as my Ruger Whelen shoots the Saeco 240 grainer just fine with the 1"14 twist. Just curious.

[docone31]

I have A&B barrels on my .308, 2-.243s.
I have found them to be an outstanding barrel for the money. The .308 is very happily outshooting me every time.
I would get them next time.

[largom]

A couple of years ago I built 8 rifles using Mauser VZ 24 receivers and Adams & Bennit barrels. Calibers included 243, 260 Rem., 6.5X55, 25-06, 308, and 30-06. Each and every one shot 1 in. groups at 100 yds. with J-bullets. I would not hesitate to buy another A&B barrel.

Larry

[yondering]

I've also used a couple A&B barrels on VZ24 projects. They shoot great. Probably not as good as a custom barrel, but for a hunting rifle they work well, about 1 MOA in mine.

My only complaint with A&B barrels is most of their barrel contours are pretty heavy, and not all chamberings are available in the light F14 contour. I used the F34 contour barrel for a 338-06 Ackley, and felt that it was considerably heavier than necessary.

Is your Ruger 35 Whelen a 1-14" twist? I thought the Rugers were all 1-16 twist. 1-14 should work great for your .358.

[Blkpwdrbuff]

I just finished putting an A&B barrel on my daughters Stevens. It is chambered in .257 Roberts, and copies the Savage contour perfectly!
At 100 yds I had a beautiful cloverleaf using (Shudder) Winchester factory loads with 117 gr bullets.
I also have one being put on a Jap Arisaka in 6.5X.257 Roberts. It's still at the gunsmiths getting a few finishing touches put on it.
For a hunting rifle I think you could do much worse;-).
Blkpwdrbuff:castmine:

[Mk42gunner]

I built a 35 Whelen on a 98 Mauser using a Midway package Adams & Bennet barrel and walnut stock. With a 1.5-5X Leupold onboard it weighs 9 pounds empty without the sling. I wish it was about a pound lighter for hunting.

From the bench it will put three Reminton 200 grain PSP factory loads under a quarter.

If they have a factory contour to fit your rifle I would go for it.


Robert

[MtGun44]

Swapped my .30-06 bbl on Sav 110 for a A&B 7x57. Shoots great and I have switched
back and forth a couple of times. No sweat. Use antiseize on the threads.

Bill

[C A Plater]

I replaced a .243 barrel on a Stevens 200 with a A&B in .250 Savage. Only problem I had was getting the factory barrel off. Ended up sending it to Savage and they said the barrel was installed while still in the lathe over torquing the barrel nut. I'm real pleased with the assembled end result.