Akubone,

I'm assuming you got it directly from Lilja at riflebarrels.com.

If so, you should email them to ask what chamber reamer they used for your barrel, and what ammo it would be the suited for.


I ordered my Lilja barrel from them, and they told me it was chambered with the Eley EPS Match Rimfire Reamer for the flat-nose bullet, so natch, Eley EPS bullets would be ideal.

Turns out that Eley Tenex EPS shoots better than the others (slightly), as compared to Lapua Midas+ or RWS R50.

Esk808...you were right.  They used the Lilja 3 chamber reamer cut for Eley.  Lilja said Eley Match should work well...and of course it does.  Gotta be the one type of ammo that I have a limited supply of.  At least lapua center x shoots ok too.  Will test out more at 100 yds.  Thanks for everyone's feedback/suggestions.

I just got 2 boxes of Eley Match EPS, so I want to test if the Match (black) ammo shoots as well as Tenex EPS (red).
I'm guessing that it would shoot the same.

An email to Lilja would put you on a logical path to see which ammo your rifle likes.

Did they tell you why a fouled barrel shoots better?

In your experience, why do you (or anyone else here) think/believe/know why a fouled barrel shoots better?  I recall many folks mentioning lube, wax, etc.  Not saying it doesn't, but interesting discussion and helpful when folk share their experiences.  Like testing regimen.

Watched a couple of videos on Lilja barrel install.  While I still don't think I'm anywhere near pursing that, that it's so easy and can allow for relatively easy user tweaks makes it really appealing to me.

Not sure myself was waiting to hear what others say.

It gets stated over and over but not much detail as to why.

Esk808...you were right.  They used the Lilja 3 chamber reamer cut for Eley.  Lilja said Eley Match should work well...and of course it does.  Gotta be the one type of ammo that I have a limited supply of.  At least lapua center x shoots ok too.  Will test out more at 100 yds.  Thanks for everyone's feedback/suggestions.

Not sure myself was waiting to hear what others say.

It gets stated over and over but not much detail as to why.

They and Green something make 1 for the RPRR, the cost is not worth the performance for my rifle IMO. The barrel cost way more than the rifle and the grouping wasn't improved that much.  I'm not the best shooter, so I rely on the 22 forums who have better shooters and they posted b4/after pics.

If I were to upgrade to Lilja, then I would go down the rabbit hole of buying/building a better 22.

Can you post the email from Lilja?   You see, there are several types of Eley reamers:     https://pacifictoolandgauge.com/1542-22-cal-239-cal-chamber-reamer-nopix-

22 Eley Carbide EPS Match Rimfire Chamber Reamer

22 Eley EPS Match Rimfire Chamber Reamer

22 Eley EPS Rimfire Chamber Reamer

22 Eley Short Action Match Rimfire Chamber Reamer


When I got the specs from Lilja for my barrel, the schematic said "22 Eley EPS Match Rimfire Chamber Reamer",  so I also thought it was for the Eley Match (black box) ammo. So got the Match (black box ammo).

Reading it carefully, the chamber reamer is cut for the EPS (flat-nose bullet) in a "Match" (tight spec chamber), not the black box ammo. 

Eley makes several grades of that Eley EPS (flat-nose bullet) such as Tenex, Match, Club, Practice, etc.
They also make round-nose bullets.

Having said that, I went to Kokohead yesterday, and shot my Anschutz with the Lilja barrel.  RWS R50 shot the best yesterday !   Second was the new lot of Lapua Midas+....   Eley Tenex and Match shot ok, but R50 and Midas shot a little better...  Go figure.....

I'll likely just do the "shoot 10" when transitioning.  While I am interested in more accuracy, I am mostly into it for overall shooting, not uber precision.

Hi Drck1000,

Eley Match shot ok, as I wrote in an earlier response.

I usually get my "grass-cutting green line with VFG pellets" and run it through dry 2x to just get the powder particles out of the barrel.  I do this whenever I switch ammo brands, and when I shoot 2 boxes/100 rds.

I notice that my barrels need about 5-10 shots before settling down to shoot groups.

Ok.  Maybe not one of those things that can be quantified or "proven".  That said, that is your experience in transitions between ammo types?  I'll likely just do the "shoot 10" when transitioning.  While I am interested in more accuracy, I am mostly into it for overall shooting, not uber precision.

Yes lower grade ammo might shoot better or worse after you run some eley or SK or lapua or other higher end brands because of the lube and other factors and vice versa.

You can try and test for yourself to see how your barrel behaves which is the only way to tell. Your barrel and headspace may like a particular bullet/ammo. That’s where the black hole starts.

You can try and chrono the various ammo too if you want consistent FPS

If your not chasing Uber accuracy stick to any lead bullet avoid Federal.

I will certainly be doing testing.  I have Eley Match and Tenex, Lapua Midas, and RWS Rifle Match already on hand.  Have more Eley (Target and Match) on the way, with more RWS.  I appreciate the headspace and ammo correlation.  Though I HOPE to not go too far down that rabbit/black hole.  I may, but hope not to.  I hoped not to go off the deep end with centerfire rifles as well. 

I have the trigger for the Labradar, so I can use for the 22.  Just have to find a good way to mount.  I don't really care to put velcro patches all over the guns. 

While I be shooting mostly match ammo for testing, I envision trips to the silhouette range with friends and family.  My initial thought was to have them shoot some of my "cheaper" ammo, but even some of those were pushing the same prices as I can get say Eley Target.

Carbon ring can work for you or against you. Test in lots of 100 or 200 and take good notes.

Check out rim fire central and search bullet engraving. Guys have tested a lot but your results may vary. Also look up vibration and effects on 22lr.

If you read enough on rimfire central there is a secret to getting some low end ammo to shoot good, not great but good.

Also there should be videos and forums that talk about mods for the cz457 to increase accuracy.

But you have ask yourself how much is a 1/4 MOA worth?

Yeah, not going there.  I have read some of their thread here and there, but usually from online searches.  Stuff like how CZ B/A sometimes need to watch out on cleaning rods.  Ended up with both .20 cal and .22 RF Boretech cleaning rods.  That was before Boretech confirmed their .22 RF rods are gtg for CZ.  Add to that the jags are different threads. . . 

I consider this a started B/A. Eventually likely a beater rifle. 
There are lots.  I've watched many.  Mostly from Pursuit of Accuracy and Area 419. 

The "how much is 0.25 MOA worth" came up in a video recently with Erik Cortina.  I'm not chasing 0.25 MOA in particular, but I have thrown down a bunch of $$$ to get most out of what I currently have going.  SAC dies the most recent for centerfire.  Certainly not chasing that for .22 lr B/A.