Chambering with a Steady Rest?

[MGP]

Could someone tell me the correct way to set up a barrel for chambering useing a steady rest? Would you use a steady rest to cut the shoulder back on a barrel or use the chuck and a spider on the other end of the headstock? Thanks

 

[Cheechako]

MGP

This subject has been discussed and cussed more times than moly coated bullets. Do a search on any shooting/gunsmith/machinist forum and you will get more hits than you ever wanted. It's like the Ford/Chevy or Blonde/Redhead question.

Short answer is, yes it's possible to do all barrel work on a steady. Many very good barrels have been made that way. The rules are the same for either method. 1) Line everything up. 2)Line everything up. 3) line everything up.

Ray

 

[MGP]

Thanks

 

[Rustystud]

Both methods have their applications. As they say there is more than one way to skin the cat.

It all depends on your lathe and barrel length.

Rustystud

 

[kaferhaus]

I've done them both ways. One is no better than the other. I now only do them through the headstock with a spider because it's faster.

The most important thing is indicating it in on the bore with a properly fitting range rod or pin gauge.

That way if you fool with it long enough you can get the runout down to zip... but most guys call it good at .0002 or so.