Fluting a used barrel.

[RDavies]

I have bought a Lilja 7mm barrel which is a bit too heavy to make F Open weight and was wondering about fluting it. It is 31" long so I could cut 2" off it but would prefer to keep the length for a 2nd rechamber. What is the thought on fluting used button rifled barrels. Will it cause extra stresses in the barrel or dimensional changes? Dont need to lose much weight so I wont need deep flutes.

 

[Larryh128]

I think that the correct answer is a definite maybe. Personally, I would do it. I have re-contoured several barrel profiles & haven't lost any measureable accuracy BUT I don't shoot 1000 yd benchrest. I'm in the same situation with a Lilja barrel that I want to lighten & I have a cutter ground up for fluting. Only time is keeping me back or I'd run it & give you a report. I would however work 180 degrees side to side as you flute & it's important not to build up a lot of heat in the process so I would run lots of coolant.

 

[DanCarey]

Give Dan Lilja a call, he would be glad to flute it for you.

 

[RDavies]

I have sent it off to be fluted. I cant gaurantee how well it shot before I got it (borescope looked OK) so I wont know how it compares afterwards.

 

[Larryh128]

Add a post once you get it back please.

 

[TheSnake]

Add a post once you get it back please.

And a picture to that post would be nice also.