Cerakoting a precision rifle

[mikejr]

I just had a rifle built, and the barreled action was bedded prior to any form of coating (Devcon I think).

Is it ok to Cerakote after bedding?

Can the entire bolt (face included) be coated?

Are there any steps beyond keeping everything out of the chamber and barrel I should suggest to the applier (mask entire crown?)?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[bricktop]

Properly applied it should be around 0.001" thick. I don't think this would be a problem with action fit, but if your bolt is a tight fit, it might cause an issue (between extra thickness on bolt and inside of action body). I would avoid getting it around (or at least behind) the locking lugs and bolt face (can just tape them off nicely), as this might affect headspace.

I've used a foam earplug to keep it out of barrels it it worked well. Some use rubber corks. Can probably find something that can take the baking heat to stuff in the lug recess and breech to keep it out of there.

 

[dakor]

I bed the rifle first and coat it second and I have never had an issue. You have to remember the bedding is not an exact match since you have some form of release agent on the action before it hits the bedding and that takes up room. When you apply cerakote it helps take up the room the release agent left in your bedding. As for plugging the chamber and muzzle who ever is applying it for you should have some type of plug for each.

 

[X Ring Accuracy]

As far as bedding goes, bed then coat. ANY finish will show the marks from bedding so do it first, then coat. Don't coat the bolt face, lugs, or bolt. Best to keep the factory finish on the bolt body for ease of cycling. Do blast the inside of the action where the bolt rides but do not coat it. Makes for better cycling. These are hard fought lessons learned. There will be others who say this thickness or that millage is fine. Trust me on this one. Cerakote gets everywhere and when you fight that bolt to pull back or engage, you will know what I mean. Flame suit on

 

[p-man]

As I understand it ALL surfaces are sandblasted (not glass-beaded) prior to coating so that all polished surfaces such as your action rails will now have a rougher surface - I assume that if you do your bolt the same issue only compounded - I am setting up to cerakote my own rifles but I will not coat my bolts and I will put a wooden dowel in the action prior to blasting and and coating - I would rather continue to lubricate my polished surfaces and have them still POLISHED.