Reamer question

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blueoval56

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So I just bought my first reamer for a project that I'm working on and I'm wondering how many match grade chamberes can be cut with a reamer before it either needs to be sharpened or its out of spec?

It's a brand new PT&G floating pilot finishing reamer and just to be clear, I won't be doing the work, I just wanted this specific reamer. Now I'm wondering how much mileage I'll get out of it.

Thanks!
 
Depending on the barrels being chambered I guess. I have a cheap old Clymer 7mm Rem Mag reamer that has probably done over 100 and is still going strong. I have lightly stroked the 'flats' with a fine India stone a couple of times to remove any buildup there may have been.

You probably won't wear it out doing your barrels...

Being a PTG reamer you will find out the first time it is used if it has been sharpened properly. I don't know the reason but a lot of them got out that way.
 
Thanks Guntech! Good to know.

I remember reading somewhere 40-50 chambers until it might start getting dull but had know idea whether to believe it or not.

Glad to know that I will most likely never wear it out.
 
I quit using ptg as half of them didnt cut worth a damn. Ptg also recommends a higher speed to cut than most reamer makers. I have been told 40-50 chambers on average. Pretty sure it will last you a lifetime unless you are a br or fclass guy.
 
Robmcleod82 said:
I quit using ptg as half of them didnt cut worth a damn. Ptg also recommends a higher speed to cut than most reamer makers. I have been told 40-50 chambers on average. Pretty sure it will last you a lifetime unless you are a br or fclass guy.
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I appreciate the info. I had read about some issues with Ptg reamers but they had the exact reamer I wanted and even had one in stock. I ordered it and it showed up in my mail box 8 days later. Can't beat that.

I'm definitely not a bench rest or f-class guy(not yet) so this reamer probably will last forever for my purposes.
 
blueoval56 said:
I appreciate the info. I had read about some issues with Ptg reamers but they had the exact reamer I wanted and even had one in stock. I ordered it and it showed up in my mail box 8 days later. Can't beat that.

I'm definitely not a bench rest or f-class guy(not yet) so this reamer probably will last forever for my purposes.
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As I said earlier, you will know on the first chambering how well it works. The ones that don't have about an inch to go and they start requiring a lot of pressure... and then it becomes very hard to withdraw the reamer as the rear part of the reamer does not have enough relief ground into the edge and instead of cutting clean it starts to burnish. If that happens you have to polish the rear of the chamber and then use the reamer again, polish the rear of the chamber, use the reamer, repeat until done. It is a frustrating procedure.
 
I use both Manson and PTG reamers. So far no issues yet. The PTG reamer definitely wants a bit more speed to deliver a smooth chamber. The angle on the flutes isn't as sharp as the Manson reamers and maybe that's why??? For folks with the Far East built lathes that only slow down to 60+ rpm I believe they are better suited. The PTG reamers also require a lot of lubricant. guntech is right about the rear relief cut. I have increased the angle on all of mine with a fine stone. I had a nice little indexing grinder to make up my own reamers. Made it up with an old friend, Brian Oldfield, now deceased. It worked well but for one offs and sharpening purposes it took up a lot of space in my shop for the very limited use it got.

Most of the reamers I have were picked up from either hobby smiths/estate sales/bankruptcy sales/gun shows and even a few at yard sales. The nicest reamer I have ever used was hand made by an RCAF REME in 8mmGibbs. I still have that reamer. Chambered a few rifles with it and made up a couple of sizing dies with it as well. Doesn't look like it's ever been used. I know its cut at least a dozen chambers. Not much call for Gibbs chambers anymore.
 
I prefer manson reamers, and have heard good things about JGS but havent tried them yet. I think I may run my reamers faster than most, but it definitely seems to depend on the individual reamer what speed it prefers/cuts the nicest at.
 
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