Barrel Grooves

[puddlejumper]

Hello,
I'm new to this forum so hopefully not putting this message in the wrong location. I don't understand the affect of different number of grooves on barrels. I am building a rifle and getting ready to order by barrel from Pac-Nor. They have several choices for number of grooves. Will this affect pressure? Also when shooting F-class,Factory) is there any rules as to the stock material?


Thanks

 

[Obtunded]

Groove counts,and their funky land profiles) are generally the stuff of marketing, preference and anecdote... much like barrel break-in, at least up to a certain point.

Although I personally prefer cut-rifled 4-6 groove barrels for their [perceived]consistency, uniformity and lack of latent stresses, land/groove profiles and the number thereof have never been properly scientifically studied or quanitfied, thus, go with whatever spackles your crack. What counts at the end of the day is how YOU chuck lead where it is wanted.

This is another one of those subjects that draws fierce loyalty from one camp or the other based on subjective observation, anecdote and experience, not quantitative evaluation.

Pressures have more to do with the choice of bullet, powder and cartridge than with groove count.

 

[puddlejumper]

Thanks for the quick response. I agree it would probably not have any affect on accuracy but I thought velocity would be a different story. More grooves more space for the gas to escape. Things are happening so fast it probably is not noticable. My choices are 3 or 5 groove barrel. I also cannot decide on 10 or 12 twist. Mostly shooting 155 grain bullets.

Thanks

 

[Obtunded]

Since most gunsmiths measure the land and groove diameter for their pilots, a barrel with an even number of grooves is a kinder thing

 

[puddlejumper]

I purchased a 30" .308 6-groove barrel. Thanks for the help.