Is there a device to trim the muzzle crown by a few thousanths?

[Cassidy]

After reading multiple posts here, I am beginning to think that a device that would allow me to carefully and precisely trim 1-2 thousanths (incrementally, at a time) from from the muzzle (i.e., precisely re-crown the muzzle) might be another factor to help tune the barrel for improved precision. This would allow retesting (ladder powder loads) the harmonics with each incremental 1-2 thousanths barrel length trim so see if precision is improved and find the optimal barrel length and optimal powder load. Is there such a device out there without having the muzzle re-crowned by a gunsmith each time.

 

[bdale]

513-000-038WB
2 Pilot Manual Crown Kit- This is the catalog number in Brownell's web site just go to Brownell's and type crowning tool in their search.

P.S. you can go on youtube and see a good demo of this tool also

 

[Cassidy]

Thanks, Bdale! I'm a USAF retiree as well.

 

[GerryM]

Paul check with David Kiff at Pacific Precision. They make crowning tools with floating pilots
They come in different caliber. not too expensive either.

 

[DCRYDER]

Are you talking rimfire or centerfire? If centerfire you can do the same thing by changing bullet seating depth. If you're talking rimfire then you will probably run out of barrel length before you get happy. A tuner may help you in both cases. I would only recrown if I thought the crown was the problem. AND a lathe cut single point cut crown will beat a piloted hand crowner any day of the week. Too much chatter with the hand tool.

 

[Cassidy]

It's a centerfire: 6.5x47 Lapua, Krieger 28.5 inch barrel. Have tuned to optimal bullet seating depth and optimal load, and tried different weight/brand bullets (berger, scenar) still not shooting well. Thought I would see if can optimize barrel length since it may be a major factor in harmonics - try to trim a few thousanths at a time in a laddered barrel tune.

 

[Erik Cortina]

It's a centerfire: 6.5x47 Lapua, Krieger 28.5 inch barrel. Have tuned to optimal bullet seating depth and optimal load, and tried different weight/brand bullets (berger, scenar) still not shooting well. Thought I would see if can optimize barrel length since it may be a major factor in harmonics - try to trim a few thousanths at a time in a laddered barrel tune.

That statement contradicts itself. If you tuned to optimum powder/seating shouldn't it be shooting great? Else, you haven't found the optimum load?

How would you measure your barrel in order to only take off .002" at a time?

 

[effendude]

With all due respect, you could end up shortening the barrel beyond optimum. Sort of like sharpening a pencil beyond it's usable length in order to get it as sharp as possible. The old carpentry addage, "I cut it twice and it is still too short". That is the beauty of the barrel tuners, you can put length (metal) back on once you go past the optimal setting.
Scott

 

[Dans40X]

If the Bbl doesn't shoot -
bore scope it to verify if there are any abnormalities in the chamber/bore/crown.
Set the Bbl back,clock,rechamber & recrown.

If,it still doesn't shoot use it for a tent stake.

Trimming/recrowning a 28.5" Bbl a couple thou at a time will render the Bbl useless as it will be shot out by the end of your testing.

 

[udiablo]

Am of the opinion, that it is your barrel and you should be able to do it if you want to. Worst cast is that you'd need to replace the barrel eventually........but that's what you'd have to do anyway if you shoot it. Too many fret about barrel life and let them rot (rust?) in the safe. Do it, shoot it.

However, there are some barrels that may never shoot well, or you may not find a combination that will improve it. And those can make fine (but pricey) tomato stakes.

See Dave Manson's website about his tool for cutting barrel crowns, either by hand or with a power driver. Very good tool and you will not have to unscrew the barrel to put it in a lathe (unless you want to). I think his kit is also available from Brownell's.