Proof Research PXT stainless steel barrel blank .257
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Full specificationsProof Research
Proof Research - PXT Stainless Steel Barrel Blank - .257 Cal
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Overview
A .257 PXT stainless steel blank, ready for your gunsmith to chamber
This Proof Research .257 stainless steel blank is rifled with PXT (PROOF Exponential Twist) and sold unchambered and unthreaded for your gunsmith to finish. It comes in Heavy Palma in 20" or 24"; Competition in 26", with a 1:7.5 twist.
PXT rifling
PXT starts the bullet on a very gradual twist and accelerates it through the bore. Proof says this cuts the initial rifling lead angle by about 95 to 98% and uses a smoother-edged land profile that lowers bullet engraving force by about 30%, for less pressure spike, less throat erosion and less felt torque.
30 to 100% longer barrel life
In Proof's controlled testing, PXT barrels showed a 30 to 100% increase in barrel life before measurable accuracy loss, with longer barrels seeing the most benefit. Proof also reports 20 to 50% smaller groups across multiple ammunition types and lots.
Traditional steel
Proof cites excellent erosion wear and corrosion resistance, and a combination of high tensile strength and toughness to handle the chamber pressures seen in firing.
Heavy Palma contour
A 1.20" shank tapering to a heavy Palma profile, offered from 16.5" to 24" depending on caliber.
Competition contour
A 1.250" shank held for 5.00", 1.185" at 9.25" and 1.006" at the muzzle on the 26" finish length. A heavy, stiff profile for benchrest and F-class style rifles.
Weight
These blanks run 4 lb 6 oz to 7 lb 8 oz by Proof's published figures.
Specifications
Bore and rifling
Heavy Palma contour
Competition contour (measured from the breech face)
Weight by variant (Proof's figures)
What ships
Fitment
Will it work with your build?
Works with
- Any bolt action once the shank is threaded to the action's tenon
- Precision, target and competition builds with a stock or chassis channel sized for a heavy contour
- Cartridges: .25-06 Rem, .257 Weatherby, 25 Creedmoor and similar .257 cartridges
Will not work with
- Lightweight hunting stocks with sporter-sized barrel channels
- Cartridges larger than the .257 bore
- Builds that need the barrel shortened past the finish length
Your gunsmith must thread, chamber and crown the blank, and the crown must be cut at Proof's witness ring. Proof's PXT gunsmithing guide says not to shorten the barrel beyond the witness ring (+/- .100"), and notes PXT lands are narrower at bore diameter than conventional lands, which matters if a range rod is used for alignment. Rifle barrels ship for a flat $14.95 per order, regardless of quantity, and do not qualify for free shipping due to their size and handling requirements.
Detail
Fitting it and the fine print
Which twist should I order?
A faster twist (lower number) stabilizes heavier, longer bullets. Check the bullet maker's twist recommendation for the rounds you plan to shoot before you order. The twist listed is Proof's PXT designation; PXT starts slower at the breech and accelerates through the bore.
How is PXT different for my gunsmith?
The finish length is set by the witness ring, so pick the length you want to end up with. The crown is cut at that ring (+/- .100") and the barrel should not be cut shorter.
Heavy Palma or Competition?
Heavy Palma is the lighter of the two and comes in shorter finish lengths. Competition is a 26" heavy profile with a 1.250" shank for rifles where weight helps rather than hurts. Check your stock's barrel channel and your action's tenon before you order.
How much accuracy should I expect?
Proof Research does not guarantee accuracy for a barrel blank sold alone. Chamber alignment, crown and how the barrel is fitted to the action matter as much as the barrel itself.
- Caliber
- .257
- Rifling
- PXT
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Contours
- Heavy Palma, Competition
- Twists
- 1:7.5
- Shank
- 1.20" or 1.250"
- Condition
- Blank (unthreaded)
Works with
- Bolt actions, gunsmith fitted
- Precision and competition builds
- .25-06 Rem, 25 Creedmoor and similar
Will not work with
- Sporter barrel channels
- Cartridges larger than .257 bore
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Shipping
Free same day shipping
Most orders over $199 ship free. We ship same day on all in-stock orders received before 14:00 Mountain Time. Free Shipping orders use standard ground and typically deliver in 1 to 4 days. Excludes international orders, Alaska and Hawaii, and select oversized items. All orders valued over $1,000.00 ship signature required.
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If you need an item fast, cost-effective expedited options are available at checkout. Most expedited orders ship via FedEx or Overnight Mail.
Local customers
We are in 2317 Grand Park Dr Unit 2B Grand Junction, CO 81505 and we stock every item we sell. We love seeing customers and encourage you to stop by — just leave a comment in the order notes during checkout.
International shipping
We ship to international shoppers in 82 countries registered with EasyExport®. Registration is free and EasyExport does not share your information, and you can register before or after you shop. See International Export for details.
Returns
Not quite perfect? Red Hawk will make it right, no matter what. Guaranteed. Most items have a 30-day window from the day the product was delivered to you. Excluded are ammo and ORM-D products, custom ordered items, items not in original condition, and international orders. Every item we sell also carries a manufacturer warranty, and we only work with manufacturers who stand behind their products.
Common questions
How do I know the items I'm buying are compatible?
Check the Fitment section above — it lists what this part works with and what it does not. If you are still unsure, call 1-970-242-6166 or use the chat icon at the bottom right of the page — our team builds precision rifles with these parts every day.
Where are you located?
2317 Grand Park Dr Unit 2B Grand Junction, CO 81505. We ship every single order from our own warehouse and take pride in being part of our local hunting and competition shooting community.
I can't find the configuration I need — can you special order it?
Absolutely. Call 1-970-242-6166.
What if there is an issue with the product I ordered?
We will make it right, no matter what. We only carry products from top-tier manufacturers who stand behind them.
Which items need to ship to an FFL?
Receivers and actions, barreled actions, complete rifles and suppressors ship to a licensed FFL dealer. Barrels, stocks, triggers and accessories ship straight to your door.