Minimum barrel loss for a new blank

[linebaugh]

I have a new blank on hand and want to get the maximum finish length from it. I have a 28" rock creek blank and have decided I wanted a 28" bbl. Since this is not a possibility now obviously what do you consider the minimum sacrafice before crowning? Do I go ahead and drop an inch or can I get by with .5 inch?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I have a new blank on hand and want to get the maximum finish length from it. I have a 28" rock creek blank and have decided I wanted a 28" bbl. Since this is not a possibility now obviously what do you consider the minimum sacrafice before crowning? Do I go ahead and drop an inch or can I get by with .5 inch?

Thanks for your thoughts.

The ends are not to true dimension. How far, depends on the maker. Their website indicates to remove 2" from the blank length. You may get by with a little less and would recommend calling Rock Creek to ask this question. They should know how much is safe. Personally, I like what some makers do...like putting a bandsaw cut where it needs to be cut off. Kinda prevents the phone from ringing with this question.

 

[Someoldguy]

If you cut it off and it's in a loose spot, it'll never shoot as well as it could no matter the length.

 

[Bully]

I actually just spoke to the guys at Rock Creek and they recommend 1” off the muzzle end and nothing off the chamber end as the cutting the chamber will take care of any bellmouthing.

 

[tobnpr]

Ask the barrel manuf, they're all different.
Shilen recommends 1" off ea. end...McGowen no cut is req'd....
Depends on lapping, cutting etc at the factory.

That said, if the chamber end is indicated at the throat and pre-bored, whatever is happening in the last inch at the breech doesn't matter as it'll get cut out before chambering starts.

 

[STS]

Don't worry about the chamber end at all. Learn to slug the muzzle end and you will have your answer in about 5 minutes. Everything else is guesswork. It is very easy to detect any taper in the barrel if you get the feel for it. I have seen barrels from top name manufacturers that were loose 3 inches back from the muzzle.