Fluting and stress relieving

[4xforfun]

I know that most all BBL makers stress relieve their bbls before thy leave the factory. I am thinking about a new Kreiger HV that is in stock at a vendor and having it fluted by a third party.

Good Idea?
Bad Idea?

I NEED to flute to make one of my LG's make weight (600-1000 br)

Just wondering if I should order it fluted from the factory and wait the galactic year to get it, or just have it done third party.

Tod

 

[tac284]

I bet @boltfluter could answer this question.

 

[NorCalMikie]

I bet @boltfluter could answer this question.

I'll bet he could too.

 

[1911nut]

This is from the Krueger website, something to consider.

“On the barrel contours that we will flute, we expect the same practical accuracy out of a fluted barrel vs. an un-fluted barrel as long as it is fluted by us. A note on fluting done by others: We have researched and performed fluting using many different methods over the years and have really perfected the system we use. Like any other outside operations performed on our barrels, we will not be responsible for the results of other methods of fluting performed by gunsmiths/machinists other than Krieger Barrels, Inc.”

 

[JEFFPPC]

Weigh before building allowing for weight of any painting to be done. To late for that but will an inch less barrel get you legal. Lighter rings or even single screw rings in a 6 br size case. If it has a butt plate can it be lightened. Routing will introduce stress, I would keep that as a last resort. Plus according to the MTU a fluted barrel is more subject to heat than the additional mass of non fluted. What weight for what discipline are you trying to reach. Scope can be huge when weight is involved.

 

[4xforfun]

Weigh before building allowing for weight of any painting to be done. To late for that but will an inch less barrel get you legal. Lighter rings or even single screw rings in a 6 br size case. If it has a butt plate can it be lightened. Routing will introduce stress, I would keep that as a last resort. Plus according to the MTU a fluted barrel is more subject to heat than the additional mass of non fluted. What weight for what discipline are you trying to reach. Scope can be huge when weight is involved.

Gun is 15 years old.....my original 1k BR gun.... BAT "M" .... anything from 6.5x47 to 300 WBY. With the 40x Leupold and fluting I make weight with a 30 inch, 30 cal tube. I first routed out a bunch of stock in the BBL channel (solid fill) to lighten it up about 14 years ago. Can not make 17 lb class in current set up with non fluted 30 inch 6.5 tube. Just make it with 30 in fluted 30 cal pipe.

One option is to cut 2 inches off of the chamber end. The math says .36 LB per inch @ 1.25 dia.
If I started with a non fluted 29 inch blank and cut 2 inches I think I could make it.

IDUNO

 

[Albany Mountain]

I always felt that one barrel I had went sour after fluting, never shot it that much but always thought I only had less than a 1000 rounds in 308 and it won't shoot after fluting. I had it cyrotreated and it is sitting in my reserve, waiting for some day went I can try it again.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

On a cut rifled barrel done by a reputable fluter youll never see a difference. Id rechamber it if it was my decision

 

[Alex Wheeler]

One of the best cut rifled barrel makers does it as a last operation, after lapping even. Broughton used to stress relieve after he fluted, then final lap. The way I look at it is, if theres stress in a barrel, fluting can change the bore dimensions. But if theres stress in a barrel, you will have problems any how. The main thing with fluting is you dont want to introduce stress. Personally I prefer to drop down a contour size to make weight.

 

[Paul Hilgedick]

When I talked to Carson Lilja about fluting a #6 contour hunting barrel he said it would only take off about .3 pounds. For me that was not worth the cost and effort. Also he did not recommend fluting after it is chambered.

 

[4xforfun]

I guess I should clarify......I have not yet even purchased the BBL. It is new.....never chambered and siting in inventory.