How much to turn down a 1 1/4" blank

[Suicycle]

I have a F class rifle that has been sitting in the closet for several years as a 6xc that is about to become a 243 for long range steel/deer/coyotes. It has never been fired and wears a 1/7 Kreiger blank that is 33" long and I am wondering how much can be turned off? I know you can just crank away and make it all metal shavings and end up with a #1 but that is not my goal. Is a heavy palma contour a lot to turn off or should I plan on keeping the muzzle around .900 to an inch and flute it? I might flute it real heavy anyway. My idea is to build a tactical rifle with DBM that uses AICS mags and either a Micky or Manners stock. I wouldn't mind a little input on anyone that has been there, done that.

 

[Jim See]

If I was you I would sell it and buy a new blank made to order. If you get $300 for it you saved yourself a lot of trouble seeing that you rechambering anyway.

 

[Suicycle]

Thanks for the idea. I have considdered parting it out before but never had much interest. It would have to visit a shop to be pulled apart too. I may kick the idea around though.

 

[boltfluter]

I have had several conversations with Kreiger about this exact thing. Their policy is to only turn down three contours at the max. I.E #6 to #3. I think it has to do with bore distortion and stress buildup. Hope this helps. Paul 8)

www.boltfluting.com

 

[300 RUM]

I agree with PPR most barrel makers tell you not to turn down the blanks, but how do the AR folks get away with it? Some custom AR's I have seen at the range shoot way better then one could ever imagine.

 

[Suicycle]

I called Krieger today and asked about the situation. They advised a Hvy Var contour which is .900 @ muzzle at most and the guy on the phone strongly hinted if it were his he would keep it closer to 1 inch. So if I turn it somewhere on the fat side of .900 would be good. I have owned a 26" ruger that I carried that finished out at .875 so this seems like it will be along the same lines. It was a 25/06. If no intereste in the barrel turns up I will have it turned lightly and see what happens.

 

[dksac2]

I'd pull the tube and sell it.
If you do have it turned down, have it stress relieved again, turning down barrels can do bad things to them.
I've seen it happen more than once, but it's your barrel.

Good Luck, John