Barrel - Rifle Tuners

[remington jim]

Any one on here using a Barrel Tuner ? I see a bunch of fellows using them on F class rifles .
I’m having a new PRC F open rifle being built so I have an Eric Cortina V3 tuner coming to try on it .also purchased an adapter to install it on a 5/8 threaded barrel .
I’m interested in your Opinions and Tuner brands .

 

[9.3 Hunter]

Jim, they work and will dial loads in to the most perfect for that rifle. I reload for all mine, and mostly have good accurate loads. However, 3 of my shooters have V3 Cortina Tuners to get even more out of them ...

It also allows folks to use whatever factory ammo they can get and then dial that ammo in ... who do not reload.

 

[sonichanxiao]

Form my experience, it does not make significant difference if you reload already and using a heavy contour barrel. The weight of the tuner is not that significant comparing to the barrel weight.
But for rimfire, it appears helping shrink the group size.

 

[boxhitch]

RJ, how do you fine tune a load on a match day now? Is the tuner supposed to replace some of those steps?
IDK

 

[chrismc]

I have played with tuners for a few years now.
Here is my take -

Find a load with low sd/es, but not the best group - a tuner will usually tighten it right up. Saves playing with seating depths.
All my target testing is 200yds, so it gives a relatively good data for stretching it out further.
I will add, that if you have a tweaked load, a tuner may make no diff

Factory loads? Cant comment, dont use.


I have also found that the tuner setting may change an 1/8th turn either way depending on weather - you’ll figure that out when you use one.

Sure makes for fun in the gopher patch!

Slapped one on my PCP 22 cal, and i found you can generally make most good pellets shoot wicked groups

They work well, imho kinda a gimmick, but a useful one - and fun to see the groups move/tighten/widen as you adjust it.

I have EC tuners, lots of youtube vids on how to use.

 

[remington jim]

RJ, how do you fine tune a load on a match day now? Is the tuner supposed to replace some of those steps?
IDK

Billy you need to read up on tuners and re THINK your question

 

[boxhitch]

I have also found that the tuner setting may change an 1/8th turn either way depending on weather

 

[todbartell]

 

[Mysticprecision]

With the level of tuning possible in handloads, I don't bother with tuners on F class rifles. I also do not tune for the narrow upper node so temperature range is very wide.

One less thing to think or worry about... and one less point of failure.

YMMV

Jerry

PS... I use tuners on pretty much all my rimfires though.

 

[bigHUN]

Only one calibre, the W308 reloading myself completely all the steps to very last tents.
Sorting the loaded amo from my data, into groups.
My barrel is heavy and unthreaded. I was searching for long for a slip on barrel tunner and finally got one last summer.
Usually shooting 300 BR, groups of 10 at least, and I can see a difference when dialing the tunner.

 

[marshman]

Normally I don’t bother but since it’s RJ and he’s not gonna listen anyway.
If your putting a “tuner” on a new bbl what your doing is pucking up the bbl by sticking a big heavy nob on the end and then spending the rest of its life trying to get the harmonics fixed.

 

[remington jim]

Normally I don’t bother but since it’s RJ and he’s not gonna listen anyway.
If your putting a “tuner” on a new bbl what your doing is pucking up the bbl by sticking a big heavy nob on the end and then spending the rest of its life trying to get the harmonics fixed.

Really ? Why you say I won’t listen ? here I am listening maybe PROVE your case - other wise your NO
better then anyone one else with a unproved OPINION

 

[remington jim]

With the level of tuning possible in handloads, I don't bother with tuners on F class rifles. I also do not tune for the narrow upper node so temperature range is very wide.

One less thing to think or worry about... and one less point of failure.

YMMV

Jerry

PS... I use tuners on pretty much all my rimfires though.

Can it not be another point of failure on a 22 rimfire ?
Are you saying 22 rimfire have much more barrel harmonics over CF cartridges. ?
Therefore needed more or is it because u can handload CF cartridges it is not needed

 

[remington jim]

My plans are to the barrel threaded 1 1/8 “ to be able to mount this tuner - But I will break in and tune a load first before using it - then mount it and and try for further improve accuracy .

I really don’t think like others DUE that the 1000 s of Very Successful F Class shooters are all wrong using one !

 

[Mysticprecision]

Can it not be another point of failure on a 22 rimfire ?
Are you saying 22 rimfire have much more barrel harmonics over CF cartridges. ?
Therefore needed more or is it because u can handload CF cartridges it is not needed

Of course, any mechanical add on that can move is a potential point of failure.

Necessary cause you don't load rimfire ammo and even great stuff may not be in tune with the barrel. When I don't need to use it, life is so much happier.

I am sure you already understand the pros and cons of a tuner. If you want to play with one, have at it.

Jerry

 

[struff55]

klick your heels togeather 3 times blink twice and you will likely have the same effect on your bbl's accuracy

 

[Mysticprecision]

how many F class competitors load to "11" or "12"?

Records were set without any tuners... did all of them fall recently?

If you understand what a tuner is, then you understand what it can and cannot do. Just another tool and very fashionable these days.

Jerry

 

[Mysticprecision]

One last thing... if you load at short range and use a chronograph to get the 'best' numbers, you definitely need to add a tuner.

YMMV

Jerry

 

[remington jim]

Of course, any mechanical add on that can move is a potential point of failure.

Necessary cause you don't load rimfire ammo and even great stuff may not be in tune with the barrel. When I don't need to use it, life is so much happier.

I am sure you already understand the pros and cons of a tuner. If you want to play with one, have at it.

Jerry

Jerry what rifles - cartridges have you shot tuner’s on ? What brand were they ?

 

[remington jim]

klick your heels togeather 3 times blink twice and you will likely have the same effect on your bbl's accuracy

What’s your experience with tuners as a gun builder Struff ? What rifles - cartridges have you shot with them to come to your Conclusion as useless ?