I have a 4 axis mill but it would have to pay really well to be worth doing.
This is the key to getting any good work done.
I have a 4 axis mill but it would have to pay really well to be worth doing.
My .338 has spiral flutes. It was built by ATRS but I don't know who did that barrel. I know its a benchmark.
PM me and I'll tell you the original owner's name - and I'm sure ATRS can tell you from there.
-J.
Sorry to chime in without a reference, but as a toolmaker, I would advise against spiral fluting a finished barrel due to the stresses induced via material removal.
The only way, in my opinion to maintain parallelism and concentricity in the bore would be to take the blank, flute it, stress relieve it, gun drill, and finish.
Stainless will move a bunch, 4140 and 4340 will move a bit, and I would not be comfortable with shooting out of a candy cane
I also shudder when I hear of guys nitriding barrels, as the heat gets right up there, and if not done properly can cause major distortions.
YMMV
Cheers, and Merry Christmas