Reamer bushing fit?

[lazyeiger]

What kind of fit should the reamer bushing have inside the bore? Is better to be a little sloppy or a little tight?

Thanks

Jon

 

[Preacher]

I like a good slip fit, not to loose and certainly not sloppy.

 

[shortgrass]

But, choose a bushing that's too tight and risk scaring the rifling just ahead of the lead. About .0005" smaller then bore diameter seems to work well.

 

[kendog]

JGS and others provide bushings in .0002" increments. Try till it wont go, then back off one size. This will give you the most concentric throat the reamer is capable of, provided the rest of the setup is good.

 

[X Ring Accuracy]

Also, if too tight makes for a headache when backing the reamer out after cutting. You would need to tug backwards on your setup to disengage the reamer versus a smooth release.

 

[paperpuncher]

Keep in mind that barrels can be belled on the ends from lapping. I mount the bushing on a range rod so I check bushing fit past the belled end.

 

[kendog]

You can also push a lightly oiled bushing the entire length of the bore to check proper fit and for tight spots.