Relief cut for barrel removal

[STOMP442]

I have run into a first for me. I bet I have removed hundreds of barrels over the years and this is the first one I have ever come across that just won't budge. Howa 1500 .22-250. I am using the Brownells barrel vise and action wrench, lubricated the threads through the top scope base hole and used a 3ft pipe as a cheater bar and the damn thing won't screw off. I have read about a relief cut just in front of the action face will help get it off. I guess my question is how deep and how wide do I make my cut and how close to the action face? Pics would be appreciated if you got em. Thanks.

 

[gme]

I used a cutoff blade (width is not that important) make the cut as close to the action as possible, deep enough to reach the tennon diameter, it'll come right off

 

[STOMP442]

Awesome. Thank you.

 

[JTEX]

Are just trying to pull on the wrench? I find that a sharp whack with a five pound hammer loosens those howas.

I have taken off quite a few howas without ever using a relief cut.

 

[STOMP442]

I've tried the hammer as well. I can usually take everything off with a quick tap of a dead blow. Thats what I started with.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

If the bbl is not of any value, use a pipe vise rather than a bbl vise. It won't slip at all and the hammer blow not cushioned by slippage, works much better.. I make bushings for mine and it's all I use to take off/on any bbl. If I run across a sob and the bbl is trash anyway, I just don't mess with the bushings. I guess that makes me a gun plumber!

 

[Dusty Stevens]

If the bbl is not of any value, use a pipe vise rather than a bbl vise. It won't slip at all and the hammer blow not cushioned by slippage, works much better.. I make bushings for mine and it's all I use to take off/on any bbl. If I run across a sob and the bbl is trash anyway, I just don't mess with the bushings. I guess that makes me a gun plumber!

Only if you use a pipe wrench not just the pipe vise

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Im quick to throw a relief cut on a stubborn one (which is a lot of factory actions). Once i worked on a tikka for a week or so then still had to relieve it im quick on the grooving tool now

 

[17cal Fan]

I had trouble with a factory 700 barrel even after soaking with Kroil for a few days. 2 new oak blocks a 20 ton press and a 3 foot pipe and it did not resist long. Came of off clean.

 

[DickE]

Just took one off the other day. External clamp with 4' cheater pipe, hammer blow to external clamp. Then came the bang- off it came. No damage to anything. Barrel vice needs to be really, really tight.

 

[tobnpr]

Did you use Kroil on the threads (you mentioned lube, but didn't specify)?

Hell, if it isn't slipping in the blocks- you just need a longer cheater. Eventually, either the barrel will break loose or it'll slip. Yeah, relief cut is quick and easy when you have a lathe and don't want to save the barrel.

But for me, it sometimes becomes "personal" with barrels- like a challenge lol...

 

[DirtySteve]

Try some "Mouse Milk"...

 

[STOMP442]

Did you use Kroil on the threads (you mentioned lube, but didn't specify)?

Hell, if it isn't slipping in the blocks- you just need a longer cheater. Eventually, either the barrel will break loose or it'll slip. Yeah, relief cut is quick and easy when you have a lathe and don't want to save the barrel.

But for me, it sometimes becomes "personal" with barrels- like a challenge lol...

I used some ballistol. This one is personal for sure. I'm going to cut the relief this weekend when I get some time.

 

[strobes]

Freeze it overnight, and warm the action with torch while removing barrel, this worked for me.

 

[centershot]

My 'smith used the relief cut on an old Remington. Used everything first. Heat, Kroil, hammer. After he did the relief cut, it came right off. Just have to buy a new recoil lug.

 

[GenePoole]

A thin parting tool on the lug will relieve most of the stress. I used to do it this way, but a cheater-bar and bringing all my weight to bare on the cheater by jumping up, then shoving down with both hands while on the down stroke of the jump has been successful in every attempt. I rest the action on a 4x4 cut to a length that keeps it between the floor and just under the action to prevent any side load. They let go with a metallic clank that you'd swear was the action snapping in two, but actions are tougher than you think.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I cut right in front of the lug. No sense in losing one if not necessary

 

[STOMP442]

Cut the relief and she came right off. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[drover]

I have had a few PD caliber rebarrels done by Pac-Nor and they have all been 1/2" (5 shot @ 100 yds) capable. The nice thing about them is that they make the barrel and hadle the installation, sort of a one-stop shopping experience. I always thought that would be a good thing in the event of a problem - only one company to deal with. To clarify though every barrel I have had installed by them has exceeded my accuracy expectations.

drover

 

[hpshooter]

I have had a few PD caliber rebarrels done by Pac-Nor and they have all been 1/2" (5 shot @ 100 yds) capable. The nice thing about them is that they make the barrel and hadle the installation, sort of a one-stop shopping experience. I always thought that would be a good thing in the event of a problem - only one company to deal with. To clarify though every barrel I have had installed by them has exceeded my accuracy expectations.

drover

Stan Taylor at Douglas Barrels will provide the same service, I have used both Douglas and Pac-Nor and was completely satisfied with both.