Re: Accuracy problems after fluting
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: THT-9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Brux Barrels says "You cannot flute a button rifle barrel after it has been made, there is no question about that".
I have to question that statement - why does my current Shilen, button rifled, 8 flute barrel shoot sub 1/4" MOA from 100m to 1K? I have had probably 15 different Shilen barrels over the years that have all been fluted - I've never had a problem with any of them not shooting sub MOA. Shilen themselves will void your warranty if you flute one of their barrels.....I don't get it....Maybe I've just been lucky?! </div></div>
The thing with button barrels is the metal is stressed into place by the button to create the rifling, so if you start removing stress there is a chance of it cascading through the barrel and affecting the rifling or giving it uneven harmonics. I've seen a button barrel that was heavily fluted and the rifling was wavy.
If it's done slowly, with lots of cutting fluid, and with sharp bits, there is much less of a chance of it happening as there is less stress being introduced during each pass of the cutting bit but it could still shift some of the barrel stress lines, but if it's done fast, and the barrel heats up or the bit is dull and "digging" then you've got a recipe for it ruining the rifle.