To lap or not?

[daddyscleo]

Any opinions on hand lapping an inexpensive match barrel to cut down on number of rounds fired to bring it up to speed? Thanks

 

[SKWERLZ]

Any opinions on hand lapping an inexpensive match barrel to cut down on number of rounds fired to bring it up to speed? Thanks

My buddy lead laps cheapo green mountain blanks and others with good success.

 

[JaoeyP]

Any opinions on hand lapping an inexpensive match barrel to cut down on number of rounds fired to bring it up to speed? Thanks

I used to do this with all of my Howas. At the time you could replace the barreled action for $400 so I really wasn't too worried about ruining anything. But if the cost is much more than that for a replacement barrel I would personally just use the break in as an opportunity for practice, which is how I break in my barrels now. I do a modified version of the Kraft drill.

 

[mauser284]

Any opinions on hand lapping an inexpensive match barrel to cut down on number of rounds fired to bring it up to speed? Thanks

The best time to have lapped is between operations prior to rifling. To lapp after the rifling is in place would mean that you spec.'ed the process to arrive at a finished bore that is tighter than you actual want in that way you have plenty of material that can be removed or that needs to be removed to arrive at the proper diemensions. The problem with that is that hand lapping is not procise at all it is not much different than having 10 people set valve lash with feeler guages and thinking you will arrive at the same setting each time! Hand lapping is a process to make up for the ability to properly machine with precision the surface finish you desire. It makes perfect sense in some setting and no sense in other's depending on application.

The problem with hand lapping a barrel is just like my example above with feeler guages. It is something that comes with time and experince. Without knowing exactly what you have to start with you have no idea if your labor will bear fruit or folly!

Their are plenty of companies that have made barrels that do finish lap them and some that only lapp after the reaming operation and some that do not lapp at all. I am talking about match grade barrels only.

I have also known people that always lapp a barrel but they do it before they chamber it. If thebarrel has already been chambered and crowned I would not do it.

I would shoot it as is. If it shoots like poo call the barrel maker and see what they say!


Barrels do not break in they just wear out. Now a fouled bore does normaly shoot better than a cold clean bore!

 

[ELR LVR]

I have lead lapped a few barrels
But ONLY if they needed it
If your barrel is a High quality custom
it should not need lapping
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I would not lap to so called "Break in a Barrel"
This is not needed with barrels that are already lapped from the factory.
And they break in soon enough, or do not really need a break in at all
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I would lap, if there is an obvious tight spot between the breech and the muzzle
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The grit finish you arrive at for final finish is detrimental to how much your barrel will copper foul
If you lap a Centerfire barrel where you will use Copper jacketed bullets
I would not go finer than 600 grit
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For rimfire or barrels that use lead bullets, going finer than 600 may actually help reduce lead fouling