Its barrels too, Im sure they will come on and explain why themselves so I wont do that for them. Or fire them a email they would be happy to explain why.
Barrel Fluting
- Thread starter bbobie
- Start date
Its barrels too, Im sure they will come on and explain why themselves so I wont do that for them. Or fire them a email they would be happy to explain why.
Quote Originally Posted by freddyfour View Post
Can aftermarket barrel fluting negatively effect accuracy?
As mentioned, fluting any barrel, before or after its been installed can have very many variations to accuracy.
As for weight removal, count it in ounces, not pounds.
If you have a 30 inch heavy tube, consider bobbing off 6 inches of barrel as well as fluting.
The machinist/gunsmith at Corlane's does very good work. He has enough good sense to use sharp tooling and lots of coolant/cutting fluid. The less heat generated during the process the less damage that will be done to the harmonics.
Depending on your barrel contour, set up can be a real chore. The flutes need to be of uniform depth from the base to within an inch or less from the muzzle. This means the taper or contour must be calculated into the cuts. The indexing must also be close to perfect, not the easiest chore in the world.
Another thing, depending on the length of the flute inlets, the milling machine or inletting machine has to have enough travel.
I tried doing one on a milling machine. I used a shot out barrel and to tell the truth, the end result was less than acceptable. I finally got the technique down but it isn't something I will likely do again, unless I can get my hands on the proper tools.
Bits of Pieces in BC also does excellent work. Their only problem, just like most gunsmiths, is turn around time.
Of course, the bbl needs to be taken off the receiver to do the job. If it isn't assembled with exactly the same tension at the tenon/shoulder joint, POI will be radically different as well.
Most people, buy a barrel that has been pre fluted then have it chambered and installed.
What happens with a take off and reinstall, is anyone's guess. It's a crap shoot no matter how you do it.
If the rifle I have is shooting acceptably, I leave it alone.
Can aftermarket barrel fluting negatively effect accuracy?
As mentioned, fluting any barrel, before or after its been installed can have very many variations to accuracy.
As for weight removal, count it in ounces, not pounds.
If you have a 30 inch heavy tube, consider bobbing off 6 inches of barrel as well as fluting.
The machinist/gunsmith at Corlane's does very good work. He has enough good sense to use sharp tooling and lots of coolant/cutting fluid. The less heat generated during the process the less damage that will be done to the harmonics.
Depending on your barrel contour, set up can be a real chore. The flutes need to be of uniform depth from the base to within an inch or less from the muzzle. This means the taper or contour must be calculated into the cuts. The indexing must also be close to perfect, not the easiest chore in the world.
Another thing, depending on the length of the flute inlets, the milling machine or inletting machine has to have enough travel.
I tried doing one on a milling machine. I used a shot out barrel and to tell the truth, the end result was less than acceptable. I finally got the technique down but it isn't something I will likely do again, unless I can get my hands on the proper tools.
Bits of Pieces in BC also does excellent work. Their only problem, just like most gunsmiths, is turn around time.
Of course, the bbl needs to be taken off the receiver to do the job. If it isn't assembled with exactly the same tension at the tenon/shoulder joint, POI will be radically different as well.
Most people, buy a barrel that has been pre fluted then have it chambered and installed.
What happens with a take off and reinstall, is anyone's guess. It's a crap shoot no matter how you do it.
If the rifle I have is shooting acceptably, I leave it alone.
Fluting doesn't worry me as regards accuracy. I like the little bit of weight reduction while retaining a larger OD.
I like the fluting on the Winchester EW SS. I wouldn't have a factory sporter fluted though: I'd just order a McMillan stock and leave the barrel alone.
IMO the barrel is the heart of the rifle and should be the last place to save weight, provided the piece still balances nicely.
I like the fluting on the Winchester EW SS. I wouldn't have a factory sporter fluted though: I'd just order a McMillan stock and leave the barrel alone.
IMO the barrel is the heart of the rifle and should be the last place to save weight, provided the piece still balances nicely.
BC Bigbore
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Corlane's fluted a Pac-Nor SS Sporting #1 contour (.338) barrel for me, no problem. Shoots great, no complaints.
Where are you getting the McMillan, from McMillan themselves, or do you have a lead on somebody else that has them?
I'm looking at getting one also, I love the McSwirly, just not sure on what colours to get.
What are they charging for such a job, out of curiousity?
RJThey explained it quiet well when I was there buying my custom i think fluting is good but more for looks if it ain't broke don't fix it. I'd reiterate what they said but maybe you should give them a call.
If you are referring to a custom aftermarket barrel, it is best fluted by the barrel makers as they do it before final lapping but it can affect accuracy negatively, it will never increase accuracy.
If you are referring to fluting a factory rifle barrel after it has left the factory - it can affect accuracy. Fluting will never increase accuracy, it can only decrease accuracy or at best not affect it. Done on light barrels it is for looks only, weight reduction is extremely minor, a waste of money for most.
Never and always are words that don't apply to rifle accuracy. Fluting isn't done to improve accuracy but to say it never could improve a barrel is just plain false. Unlikely....sure. I agree that fluting is for the greatest part cosmetic but it does look sweet! It's only a waste of money if you don't like the look of the finished product.
Republic of Alberta
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- Location
- ,location, location
Only custom bbl I have had so far that doesn't shoot all that good (shoots 1moa 5 shot groups + some inconsistency) is a deep fluted Rock Creek bbl Doubt I would go the deep fluted route again.
Never does apply to accuracy gains and fluting... Short Range Benchrest Shooters spare no expense with their equipment. They strive for the utmost accuracy and if fluted barrels added anything to accuracy they would be using them... I agree it is not a waste of money if you like the look and the accuracy is not harmed.
I know of no barrel maker who will make the claim fluting will increase accuracy.
I don't know of a barrel maker that would make that claim either and I agree it's not done to increase accuracy but to say it could NEVER do that is false. You change barrel harmonics and anything can happen. Would I flute an inaccurate barrel with the hopes of making it more accurate? Not a chance in the world but if I did flute a barrel and it shot differently afterward....I wouldn't be shocked. Differently could be better or worse...there's no predicting.
Have you had accuracy improve after you had a barrel fluted? Do you know of any barrels that have had measurable improvements in accuracy after fluting?
Nope...I've never shot a barrel before I had it fluted. My only point is that words like "never" and "always" don't apply when talking about rifle accuracy. Most often.....sure. Read what I wrote...you'll get it.
