Reamer Makers

[Bob3700]

All,

Just looking to have a reamer and HS gauges made and it will be my first venture into the art.

What reamer manufacturers are reliable and produce the best product,I know that is a loaded question)!

Do I want a solid or floating piloted reamer? If so, how do I know what pilot dia. I need without having the bbl in hand?

Do you want the reamer made of HS steel or carbide? If HS steel, Ti coated?

Would like to draw on your collective experience here. The reamer will be used in SS match grade bbls.

Thanks

Bob

 

[Cheechako]

Bob

All of the better known reamer makers will do a good job for you. Dave Kiff, Clymer, Henriksen, Manson, etc. Don't be afraid to call them and talk to them in person about it. They are all good guys.

Removable floating pilot is the only way to go. You can get a set of pilots in .0002" increments that will cover just about any barrel made.

HS. No need for carbide unless you are very experienced,they are delicate) and intend to do a lot of barrels.

If you only intend to chamber an occasional barrel you only need a finish reamer. It will last for quite a few jobs if you take care of it. If you think you want a rougher, get a re-size reamer instead. It can be used to rough the chamber and make dies, both.

Be very careful. Making your own barrels can be very hazardous to your wallet. You'll save $200 in gunsmith fees but spend $1000 in tooling. But, how does that commercial go? "Making your own barrels - priceless."

Ray

 

[tightneck]

Twenty years ago I started reloading to save money. Within a few years, I was having custom rifles built. Now I'm chambering barrels. Saving money went out the window many years ago. But the satisfaction of shooting groups from a rifle that I built, and ammo that I reload, is PRICELESS as you have pointed out Ray.

 

[Bob3700]

Cheechako,

Saving money is not the issue here. I shoot HP competition so the expense has far out weighed any savings.

I want the satisfaction and convenience of doing my own work. Will start with a new bbl on a bolt gun and work my way to my AR10 match rifle.

I have waited almost a year for some gunsmiths to purchase, chamber, and install a bbl on my various rifles. Performing the task myself will save a bunch of time and the end product will be fun to compete with.

Some reamer makers seem to have a better reputation for accurately grinding to the print than others. Just wanted to see what your experience had been.

Bob

 

[Rustystud]

Bob3700:

You have been given some pretty good advice.

If you have the barrel, action, and tooling there is no valid reason any gunsmith takes longer than 30 days to do your chambering job.

Depending on the barrel and action chambering should not take longer than 3-4 hours to complete. That includes cutting on a bandsaw to rough length, turning, threading, chambering, headspacing, crowning and test firing.

Rustystud

 

[Bob3700]

Rusty,

I firmly agree with you on the time frame to complete the re-bbling job. Have to tell you that I have rarely had a gunsmith complete any barreling/chambering "On time".

The AR smiths out there are probably the best at delivery. Their custom work is somewhat limited by the rules and most are still active competitors. In that, they understand the value of good customer service. They see their customers on a regular basis. They can produce "uppers" and various components on a limited production basis. Most SR shooters will order from a limited range of products.

Getting an M14 rebarrelled, having an AR10 matchrifle built, those were all projects that took considerable amounts of time. Perhaps one of the factors is using a "Name" gunsmith. Their work is in heavy demand and you take a number, they will put you in the work "que".

I feel that another reason for delays is that some gunsmiths are excellent metal smiths but less than wonderful business men. They overpromise and underdeliver. Customer service is not the strong suite of some of these gunsmiths. They believe the quality of their product should do all their talking for them. Often promising a product/delivery date and producing what they promised is not seen as a customer service. They are wrong!

Please don't believe that the above is an attempt to bash any gunsmiths. I have several fine competition rifles built by "Name" gunsmiths and treasure their work.

Now that I have the basic rifle, I don't want to have to wait for their re-barrelling services. It is the reason I want to begin supplying my own chambered bbls for my rifles. I can eliminate the delays and produce an acceptable product.

I appreciate and thank you for your input.

BB