Cut Rifling vs Button

[Mikem]

I have one cut rifling barrel in 308, and it shoots great, but I also have several button rifled barrels that shoot just as well. The cut barrel does shoot right on the POA on the first shot, even when cold and clean, but the buttons all take several fowlers to bring them on target when clean. I have also heard the cut will last longer.
So whats the other pros's and con's, or is that it?
Thanks Mike.

 

[Eddie Harren]

Do a search on this topic. This scab has been picked many times.

 

[rijndael]

I'm partial to cut rifled barrels, because the twist rate is *usually* closer to what's specified.

With a button rifled barrel, the button speeds up and slows down as the hardness varies in the barrel material.

With that said, I love my Schneider 5P barrels.

 

[Mikem]

DocEd: I have done a search, but Im afraid the scabs have all turned to scars. There's not much info there. Or from you.

 

[Eddie Harren]

Sorry i didn't have all the info to give you! This debate has been going on for years. It is about as futile and friutless as Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge. There are volumes written on both methods of rifling. Some even claim hammer forged is better yet.
Sometimes you just have to find out for yourself. Peace!

 

[Mikem]

I didn't realize there was such a raving debate, as compared to the Chevy vs Ford thing, and if there is, its not on this site.
I know cut barrel cost about twice as much as pulled button, and are much less common, and maybe for that reason.
Thanks M.

 

[Mikem]

I found all the info, on FirearmsID.com

The making of a rifled barrel. by Jeoffrey Kolbe.

Its a long article, but tell it all. If you dont want to read it all, skip to the last paragraph, entitled 'Witch method makes the best rifled barrels'.
Mike.

 

[Eddie Harren]

I don't know where you are buying your barrels but I don't pay any more for a Rock Creek, Bartlein, Krieger or Broughton,all cut barrels) than I do a Shilen, Spencer, Lilja, Schneider or Hart,button rifled).

 

[wnroscoe]

I know cut barrel cost about twice as much as pulled button, and are much less common, and maybe for that reason.
Thanks M.

Mike,
Like DocEd, I pay the same for either Button or Cut Rifled Barrels. If you’re paying twice the price for a cut barrel, you may want to change suppliers.

I prefer cut rifling to button pulled. The twist rates are more exact with cut and I feel that in the button process some stress is induced into the barrel. One of the best button barrels though is made by Dan Lilja.

 

[Eddie Harren]

Maybe twist consistancy is not as important as we thought, considering all the recent interest in gaintwist barrels. Ha Ha!

 

[Mikem]

I have one 22BR 26' SS button on order now, and it was $400. About the same as my last 6BR, and there chambered and ready for me to install. My only cut barrel came on a rifle, so I didn't buy just the barrel. But one Cut SS 24' fluted 308 I looked at online was $1000. installed. I dont know what the price would be for just the barrel.
Its hard to believe the price would be the same, considering all the extra time in labor to make a cut, but if you say so, I haven't priced them both.
I did read the complete article, and to me, it sound like cut rifling is a longer life barrel, at a minimum.

 

[wnroscoe]

I have one 22BR 26' SS button on order now, and it was $400. About the same as my last 6BR, and there chambered and ready for me to install. My only cut barrel came on a rifle, so I didn't buy just the barrel. But one Cut SS 24' fluted 308 I looked at online was $1000. installed. I dont know what the price would be for just the barrel.
Its hard to believe the price would be the same, considering all the extra time in labor to make a cut, but if you say so, I haven't priced them both.
I did read the complete article, and to me, it sound like cut rifling is a longer life barrel, at a minimum.

$1000 for a barrel plus installation?? depends on what else is done. My last Cut Barrel was a fluted Bartlien, $460ish shipped

Bruno Shooter Supply sells their Krieger Barrels for $295.00 plus shipping.

 

[wnroscoe]

Maybe twist consistancy is not as important as we thought, considering all the recent interest in gaintwist barrels. Ha Ha!

True. Tony B. is proof of that.

 

[RDavies]

How about this theory.
With my faster twist, higher velocity barrels which are more likely to have bullets blow apart, I stick to button rifled barrels. If bullet blow up isnt a problem, as in with 308s or 223s, 22BRs etc, then either cut or button rifled.
Problem is, with some of my button rifled barrels, the twist has been either faster or slower than what I ordered. On the other hand most of the button rifled barrels I have just dont foul, as in fire 39 or more shots through the day, then there is NO copper in the barrel, just powder fouling.Of course, this is only a narrow sample, maybe 15-20 barrels. I,m open to correction by those who actualy know.

 

[dennisinaz]

I have never had the best luck with light contour button rifled barrels,#2 or thinner). I don't know why- I have a theory, but that is all it is, a theory. With that in mind, I won't order a light contour button barrel but will order a heavier one. After all, they have been winning BR matches for years!

I do like my .338 Schneider barrel, very fast, very accurate and easy to keep clean.

 

[458]

Read Kolbe's article. It's Geoffrey, not Jeffery.

It's an excellent article and brings up issues you need to think about in a barrel. It is, after all, the barrel where the bullet meets the metal.

Sorta makes me want to get heavily invested in manufacturing cut rifling machines . . . big, modern, CAD ones w/ lasers.