Fluting change accuracy?

[Aaronjazek]

Alright I understand barrel harmonics etc, but looking for someone with experience if i send a barrel off to get fluted to shed weight will it change the accuracy a lot(new load development)or just a little. Shoots in the .2

 

[rifletuner]

Alright I understand barrel harmonics etc, but looking for someone with experience if i send a barrel off to get fluted to shed weight will it change the accuracy a lot(new load development)or just a little. Shoots in the .2

In theory, the bore can open up a little due to cutting flutes. But from my own experience I have not found a drop in accuracy in very accurate rifles after a barrel is fluted. I have sent match grade barrels off to get fluted, then shot them in competition and long range hunting rifles and they have shot very well. In some cases I have placed with seconds and thirds in national level shooting competition with barrels that I have had fluted.

For what its worth, I have always used straight flutes. I Dont know that another pattern like say spiral fluting would cause a problem, but cant say from first had experience. I think as long as the barrel is well stress relieved to begin with, you should be okay.

 

[450Dakota]

Might check with the barrel manufacturer to see if they have any info.

 

[Wrench]

Typically cut blanks tend to not move. Broached blanks can release some stress. Size matters....and the likelihood of it shooting measurably worse is pretty low for most guys....but you have a special rifle if it shoots in the 2's.

 

[Aaronjazek]

Thanks all, I actually just bought it. Saum built on a long action, it's in a chassis, has a heavy contour from pictures, I was just going to have it fluted to shed weight and throw it in a light stock but I can't say it's even worth it with how much I pack a rifle (never) usually just ML or bow. Thanks everyone for chiming in

 

[TaperPin]

Holy smokes - that shoots great. For a hunting rifle I’d have it turned down or fluted - even if groups doubled it’s still great for a big game rifle.

 

[rayporter]

my smith has fluted a lot of barrels and he says it does not change the accuracy.

 

[TaperPin]

Edit: that message ended up in the wrong place! Lol

(Or I’m losing it and now post random stuff wherever)

 

[Aaronjazek]

Awesome, I might go ahead and have it fluted and threads turned 5/8 instead of the 3/4 so I can run my can. Now to decide who lol