J Bird

Thread outside diameter is .998", width of threads is .690", thread pitch is 16V T.P.I. Source is Bolt Action Rifles, Revised by Frank De Haas.

Looks like you have a little pitting. If you wish for it to not be seen well and to provide a good hunting finish a bead blast and parkerizing will make the rust pitting almost disappear and be a very durable matte grey finish.

It is not good to shim very much on bases, stresses your scope tube. The most I will add is one thickness of a beer can which is about .004". You really only need to lower impact about 1" to give you about 1 1/2" high at 100 yds. I try to ajust to use the center of the scope if I can or close to it. The best glass is in the center of the scope lens. If you want it on center of the bulls eye at 100 would be best to use Burris Signature rings with offset inserts. No stress on tube. They are $25.90 (matte) from www.midsouthshooters.com need a $40.00 order. Probably need something else also, cleaning supplies etc. nice folks.

There are probably a ton of people who can do a fine job. I deal with Fred at: www.gun-shop.biz He and his wife Jane are in Simpsonville S.C. They live relatively close to me. I am satisfied with his work and prices. He keeps Brownell's bolt handles in stock. If you want a Lilja barrel approved man he is David Tooley, 3317 Candlewick Way, Gastonia N.C. 28054. Phone 704 864 7525. He does fine work but be ready to get off some green ($). Probably will be more suggestions.

I have (2) 6.5 X 55's on 98's and both feed well. One is a German action and the other is Turkish.

The 22-250 would be my choice in the .224"size also. More economy lets you buy more stuff!

I would think trying to poke a lot of pressure and heat through a 22 size hole would result in a lot of throat erosion. Or consider the 257 Roberts, no feeding problems and fine for varmet or deer size game.

While CRYOGENIC TEMPERING would be a plus I doubt I would do it to a A& B Barrel, were it a Lilja, Krieger, maby a Shilen or Lother Walther etc. then yes, I probably would. The A & B barrels shoot pretty good but the tollerences are between .002" & .003" and the max runout is .005". That is why they are "budget". Tight tollerences translate into higher price. To give you a idea of the difference a Lilja has a max runout of .001" and a sporter barrel will cost about $275 not threaded, chambered or crowned. The A & B barrels are prone to foul much also due to a rough bore as compared to one that is a premium lapped one. The A & B barrel serves a good purpose for those who wish to keep cost down.

Lothar Walther makes some fine lapped precision barrels. They are long chambered so you do not need a reamer. The freebore is shorter so it is easyer to seat lighter bullets close to riflings. Twist is 1"-8.07"

I live about 25 minutes drive from Fred and Jane. (no shipping!) Have had him to do several rifles for me. His bluing is very dark. Fine folks, does a lot of mausers. He has some sporter Turk barreled actions now for sale. Nice.