Let’s talk barrels

[bowana]

Cut Rifling, Button Rifling or Hammer Forged?

[AJ]

Re: Let’s talk barrels

For those that do not know the differences between the rifling methods, click here and read this article.

While we know you can get a very accurate barrel by each of the methods, hammer forging is my least favorite. I would not spend money on a hammer forged barrel. It induces way too much stress and it can not be removed properly with out changing the internal dimentions.

It's hard to argue with the accuracy people are getting from button rifled barrels. In the .22 and .24 calibers button rifling rules. They can be stress relieved and when hand lapped, are superb shooters. Button rifled barrels are preferred by benchrest shooters.

Cut rifling is the most expensive. Since the grooves are cut so slowly, there is not much stress induced on the steel. Cut rifled barrels are preferred by high power shooters. I would venture to say that a cut rifled barrel will keep its accuracy longer than a button rifled barrel.

All of my aftermarket barrels are button rifled. I think the hand lapping part is more important than what method was used to install the rifling. No matter what method is used (button or cut) they should be lapped for the optimum finish to keep fouling to a minimum. JMO.

[bowana]

Re: Let’s talk barrels

I hear that companies like Hart push the arbor through the barrel instead of pulling it. I have read that this also creates excessive stress on the barrel, yet Hart is know for producing some pretty good barrels. What do you think?

[AJ]

Re: Let’s talk barrels

The stress would be the same if you pulled or pushed the button through the reamed hole. Some say that the button can get misaligned by pushing. I don't know which way is best but I would imagine that pulling the button wold be the best choice. But since Hart has been making top quality barrels much longer than I have been on this planet, I think they know what they are doing.

[bowana]

Re: Let’s talk barrels

I just won a Ruger MarkII 280 this weekend at an RMEF function. I'm going to rebarrel and retrigger the rifle. What barrel would you recommend? I like Kreiger for the fast 33's, But I'm totally open for the midbore calibers. Also, what do you think about Ruger Actions? I'll probably stick to the original stock. This will be my son's deer rifle, but I'd like to see how it will shoot with a custom barrel vs the factory barrel even though the gun is brand new. So, I'll break it in...shoot some 100 yard groups and rebarrel. R&D Project.