fluting a chambered barrel

[jmm03]

Hello all, are there any problems fluting a barrel that has been in service for awhile? I know that some metals react differently due to internal stresses, I don't know if the barrel in question is a stainless or chrome moly, (a friend asked me about it) Thanks, Jim

 

[FrankG]

I'd never flute a button rifled or hammer forged barrel.

Your cutting into the wall thickness of the barrel... the deeper you flute... the more you risk the bore opening up / changing on you. If it does... you cannot make it go back.

Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels

 

[marazzi59]

Pretty sure Frank answered this one and I would definitely take his advice

 

[clowdis]

Agree with Frank also. I'd not flute a factory barrel.

 

[jmm03]

I don't know what kind of barrel it is, possibly a factory Remington .260, I did not think it was a good idea myself.

 

[DaveTooley]

factory barrel
big thumbs down

 

[jackieschmidt]

Pretty sure Frank answered this one and I would definitely take his advice

^^^^^^^^

 

[Will Henry]

I would normally have to side with the barrelmaker on this, but I have fluted several barrels of both buttoned and hammered manufacture, with no apparent ill effects. I have also milled octagonal barrels and half octagons. Now, this is not to say I have not seen some barrels which moved when milled. When milling stepped Mauser barrels to make a half octagon barrel, I often had difficulties with the barrels moving. It often took some straightening and a little creative file work to make it right (ish). I never had any such issue with any good quality, modern barrel, regardless of the manufacturing method.
Barrels which are properly stress relieved are usually pretty inert. If the cutter is sharp enough that it cuts cleanly, rather than displacing material, it is generally OK.
Now, having said all that, I don't really like fluting in general and never recommend it. When I fluted a barrel, it was because I was paid to do it and that's how I paid the rent. For myself, if I wanted a lighter barrel, I turned it lighter. WH

 

[Doug Beach]

I have fluted chambered Bartlein HV profile FTR barrels. Shooter is high level, & a meticulous record keeper. I took 5oz off two 30” barrels. No change in precision.

 

[boltfluter]

I have fluted most barrel configurations in the last 14 years or so. To date not one return. But, I do have a specific order that the flutes are cut in, from a machining standpoint. I do not deviate from this practice. 99% of the barrels I flute are custom stainless barrels. I do not recommend fluting a factory barrel for the most part. I do have a great job!
Paul

 

[Sniperhandle]

I have fluted chambered Bartlein HV profile FTR barrels. Shooter is high level, & a meticulous record keeper. I took 5oz off two 30” barrels. No change in precision.

That is because they are "Cut Rifled"

That is what Frank was alluding to, Cut rifling does not induce stress, Button rifling does, Although stress relieving is a part of most barrel makers process.

 

[Jonnyofalltrades]

That is what Frank was eluding to,

I'm pretty certain that he was "alluding". But who knows, maybe he was "eluding", too.

When milling stepped Mauser barrels to make a half octagon barrel, I often had difficulties with the barrels moving. It often took some straightening and a little creative file work to make it right WH

Wow! I've thought of trying that, just for the fun of it, but never had the nerve.
My hat is off, sir.

 

[Sniperhandle]

I'm pretty certain that he was "alluding". But who knows, maybe he was "eluding", too.

Wow! I've thought of trying that, just for the fun of it, but never had the nerve.
My hat is off, sir.

My bad, Corrected. It's not often I misspell, You got me.

I was unable to elude the grammar police! That's what I was alluding to. Haha

 

[clowdis]

If you try to flute a factory barrel and it warps you can try to straighten it but it's like trying to straighten a spring. If you can't get it right you're left with replacing the customers barrel. Not a risk I want to take.

 

[L.Sherm]

I dont know but this fluted button barrel for my 20BRA ain't to shabby, in my opinion how the fluting is done and heat treat is the key.
I've shot a couple other fluted button barrels that were pretty good.

 

[NorCalMikie]

I have fluted most barrel configurations in the last 14 years or so. To date not one return. But, I do have a specific order that the flutes are cut in, from a machining standpoint. I do not deviate from this practice. 99% of the barrels I flute are custom stainless barrels. I do not recommend fluting a factory barrel for the most part. I do have a great job!
Paul

I was thinking "Ask the man that does that kind of work". Perfect answer.