Thread: Spiral Fluting Barrel

Originally Posted by gadgetman

So the fluting will be left hand thread.

And it will change from left to right hand thread 1/2 way down the barrel

Baikal barrels are like that, cold hammer forged spiral fluted out of the box.

And whitworth did make rifles with spiral octagonal bores that set the standard for accuracy in the 1850s so this is just an old idea turned inside out in a modern high performance long range calibre.

Originally Posted by 7mmwsm

A 270 with the rifling on the outside. Might help.

Might help your 7mm keep up you reckon?

Frankly, fluting a barrel and/or bolt is a complete waste of a considerable amount of money as any weight savings are so small that they are negligible (you get the same result by leaving one cartridge out of the magazine). As 'bling' they do look OK but that is the only benefit. I am not trying to tell you how to spend your money (god knows, I spend enough on 'toys') but merely pointing out the total lack of any practical benefit from fluting.

Originally Posted by gundoc

Frankly, fluting a barrel and/or bolt is a complete waste of a considerable amount of money as any weight savings are so small that they are negligible (you get the same result by leaving one cartridge out of the magazine). As 'bling' they do look OK but that is the only benefit. I am not trying to tell you how to spend your money (god knows, I spend enough on 'toys') but merely pointing out the total lack of any practical benefit from fluting.

But all those little things add up to some kind of saving. I was also under the impression that fluting increases the surface area of the barrel exposed and aids in cooling?

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

But all those little things add up to some kind of saving. I was also under the impression that fluting increases the surface area of the barrel exposed and aids in cooling?

If you want to save that much weight, use it as a single shot. It is more cosmetic than practical. It looks good and sets them apart from others, Another option that could be taken up with greater results would be for the shooter to lose a few pounds. I am not saying anyone is over weight as that would be a case of pot calling kettle black. But it is funny when I see people going to great lengths to shave a few ounces off a rifle then turn around and carry a whole packet of ammo and spares in their pack, completely negating any gains they made.

Originally Posted by timattalon

If you want to save that much weight, use it as a single shot. It is more cosmetic than practical. It looks good and sets them apart from others, Another option that could be taken up with greater results would be for the shooter to lose a few pounds. I am not saying anyone is over weight as that would be a case of pot calling kettle black. But it is funny when I see people going to great lengths to shave a few ounces off a rifle then turn around and carry a whole packet of ammo and spares in their pack, completely negating any gains they made.

Like motor racing, spend tens of thousands to shave a few tenths when eating a few less pies would get you more gains.

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

But all those little things add up to some kind of saving. I was also under the impression that fluting increases the surface area of the barrel exposed and aids in cooling?

Yes, it does increase the surface area but also reduces the cross-sectional area so it heats up quicker - net result = 0 (but it looks cool)!

Originally Posted by gundoc

Yes, it does increase the surface area but also reduces the cross-sectional area so it heats up quicker - net result = 0 degrees (very cool)!

Fixed

Te tell the truth I'm not too bothered about weight for this rifle, I have a finnlight for the multi day walk in type stuff. This will be more of a fly in trip rifle, carried for the day but only with a daypack, still don't want a boat anchor though. Fluting looks badass I reckon so it's gotta be done. Agree on the whole pack of ammo thing, I can't get my head round that, I can only carry one animal so only two or three rounds go with me if I'm walking.

Originally Posted by Tahr

I recall that a chap on one of the forums here had it done and I'm pretty sure it was Hardy who did it. Several years ago.

Hardy used to do diamond flutes from memory, which is a left and right hand to make the diamond pattern.

Or you can get a barrel done my the barrel maker.

http://riflebarrels.com/spiral-flute/

Not I

Actually bolt fluting was used on military rifles in snow and icey conditions, when the bolt froze up the spiral flutes assisted in breaking the Ice via a shearing effect.