Reamer Material Choice

[Edd]

If you were cutting a 308 size chamber in a Chromoly barrel and had the choice of a new Carbide or a new HHS reamer, which would you choose?

 

[boltfluter]

If you were cutting a 308 size chamber in a Chromoly barrel and had the choice of a new Carbide or a new HHS reamer, which would you choose?

High speed steel.

 

[Walt Krafft]

For personal use less than 20 chambers hss.

 

[urbanrifleman]

I have a few HSS reamers that have probably 100 chambers on them and still cut gorgeous chambers. And no one was more shocked than me at the life of these reamers.

Some reamers suck from day one, too. I have no idea why.

 

[59FLH]

Carbide, no brainer. Assuming you have the pilot(s).

 

[DaveTooley]

I use both. I rough in 308 chambers with a core drill so I don't take out much material with the finish reamer. But the most important surface on the the reamer gets the most use. That being the throat. I take HSS reamer out of service usually between 60-80 chambers. They are still good for more but I err on the safe side. As soon as I see frosting on the flute face at the end of the neck they get a close inspection under a stereo microscope. Anything with a .0005" over freebore will have to be taken out of service sooner.
Carbide chamber numbers for me are in the hundreds. Carbide provides a better finish and there is no difference in accuracy between HSS and carbide.

 

[LVLAaron]

Some folks say Carbide is harder to use... I was one of those. Take a little getting used to, but they do leave a gorgeous finish.

 

[Edd]

Do any of you guys use Production Reamers?

 

[Walt Krafft]

Do any of you guys use Production Reamers?

Yes, really not much is different. Most I have used are 1/2inch shank. All have been carbide.

 

[DaveTooley]

I have. They were supplied by my customers. They are ground differently for longevity. That means higher cutting forces which means more rigid/stronger reamer holders. I did not care for them.