Questions on Throat Reamers

[Nowhere Man]

I purchased an aftermarket barrel for my Savage rifle. The manufacturer did not throat it as directed. Smart money says I should contact them and send it back.

Or, should I purchase a throat reamer and do it myself? I've contacted a local GS who says it's kind of tricky, being very easy to remove too much material.

If I chose to do it myself, which brand do you recommend?

 

[DaveTooley]

Those of us in the business wouldn't say it is tricky. With that being said we have a lathe, indicators, pilot bushing and most importantly experience. I don't think you have the necessary tools, it requires more than just a reamer, or the experience to do this by hand.
YMMV

 

[jdh47]

Caution! I'd listen to Dave on this. He speaks truth.

 

[kvd]

Pacific Tool & Gauge sells a kit for around $170. It's not all that hard to do but it helps to remove the barrel and be very cautious as one can barely feel the tool cutting. If the barrel is removed, it might be better to send it back to the manufacturer.

 

[Dave Marshall]

If you don’t already have the tool from PT&G, dont assume you can get it anytime before Christmas ‘21.

You paid for a barrel to be delivered a certain way from a manufacturer. Why not give them a chance to make it right? They’d probably like the opportunity to fix their mistake than have their name dragged back in here because someone else tried to fix their mistake and only made it worse.

 

[JPB3]

I wouldn't even think about without a lathe and knowledge on how to do it..

 

[Nowhere Man]

Thank you gentlemen. I will heed your warnings.

 

[ronemus]

I've used a Unithroater to lengthen the freebore in both factory and aftermarket barrels. With a bit of care it can be done without a lathe, etc. My borescope shows that the throat and leade are very cleanly cut with minimal tool marks. I was careful to approach the final length in steps, so I got exactly the freebore I wanted in each case. The Unithroater kit is moderately expensive, but it will enable you to purchase barrels chambered with standard reamers and extend the freebore relatively easily. If you have reasonable mechanical skills you can do a very clean job, and if you do several barrels the cost per barrel is trivial; the savings from buying barrels off the shelf vs. full custom will save you money after only a few.

 

[284winner]

It's the initial cost you'll have for the uni-throater. It's only one caliber and additional calibers will cost you more. I'd almost say send it back and get what you paid for. That said, what's the turn around time and how bad does it inconvenience you ? Experience using these tools really helps. I hogged out too much throat on my first chamber. Luckily I use Hornady Amax/ELD bullets and they love to jump for maximum accuracy. That saved my bacon on this particular rifle. I learned removing the barrel and SLOWLY removing material measuring between turns is mandatory.