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Gunsmithing Bolt Fluiting

Re: Bolt Fluiting

I believe I heard LL mention that an added benefit to the flutes is that it gives crud (don't believe that was his term) a place to go, thus lessening the wear on your bolt surfaces, and avoiding jamming from a cruddy bolt.


offroader beat me
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Re: Bolt Fluiting

the only reason to flute your bolt is if youre using your rile in very very very very cold places because it makes less of the surface area of the bolt in contact with the receiver so you tend to have less issues with your bolt not working well because of frozen or clumped up lube on it. I suppose it does help with fouling but really, you have to leave your rifle uncleaned for hundreds if not thousands of rounds in order for this to matter. However, keep in mind that it also tears up the brass in your magazine as it passes over it because those edges are fairly sharp. Unless you are hunting in Siberia or really hate to clean your gun its really a waste of money. It does look cool though.
 
Re: Bolt Fluiting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: offroadr1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">gives a place for dirt, grit and gunk that would otherwise cause binding in the action a place to collect and not cause any problems </div></div>

my opinion is that fluting gives a place for grit to settle on and then possibly camming into the action where a non-fluted bolt will not gather the grit in the first place.
 
Re: Bolt Fluiting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cooper623</div><div class="ubbcode-body">However, keep in mind that it also tears up the brass in your magazine as it passes over it because those edges are fairly sharp. </div></div>


I need to investigate this issue because I reload and I don’t want anything fouling up my brass. It definitely looks cool and I have a quote from Kampfield Customs to have it done but I need to be sure its optimal before it looks great. My Sentinel Stock and my Nightforce NXS look a lot cooler than the fluted bolt, I assure you. But it would make a nice addition to my custom rifle none the less
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Re: Bolt Fluiting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: az_usmc</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cooper623</div><div class="ubbcode-body">However, keep in mind that it also tears up the brass in your magazine as it passes over it because those edges are fairly sharp. </div></div>


I need to investigate this issue because I reload and I don’t want anything fouling up my brass. It definitely looks cool and I have a quote from Kampfield Customs to have it done but I need to be sure its optimal before it looks great. My Sentinel Stock and my Nightforce NXS look a lot cooler than the fluted bolt, I assure you. But it would make a nice addition to my custom rifle none the less
wink.gif
</div></div>

Wouldn't be too worried about shaving brass, if the bolt is polished after fluting that will round off the sharp edges.
 
Re: Bolt Fluiting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: az_usmc</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cooper623</div><div class="ubbcode-body">However, keep in mind that it also tears up the brass in your magazine as it passes over it because those edges are fairly sharp. </div></div>


I need to investigate this issue because I reload and I don’t want anything fouling up my brass. It definitely looks cool and I have a quote from Kampfield Customs to have it done but I need to be sure its optimal before it looks great. My Sentinel Stock and my Nightforce NXS look a lot cooler than the fluted bolt, I assure you. But it would make a nice addition to my custom rifle none the less
wink.gif
</div></div>

the one truly fluted bolt i have doesn't harm the brass at all.

i must say that the fluted bolt is a bit more finicky about being pushed straight forward than a non-fluted bolt. combined with some side leverage from a large bolt knob, the fluted bolt has a tendency to bind more than a non-fluted bolt. i don't plan on using another fluted bolt on a remington style action. the only realistic benefit is aesthetics. in my opinion, the negatives out weight that.
 
Re: Bolt Fluiting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: az_usmc</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cooper623</div><div class="ubbcode-body">However, keep in mind that it also tears up the brass in your magazine as it passes over it because those edges are fairly sharp. </div></div>


I need to investigate this issue because I reload and I don’t want anything fouling up my brass. It definitely looks cool and I have a quote from Kampfield Customs to have it done but I need to be sure its optimal before it looks great. My Sentinel Stock and my Nightforce NXS look a lot cooler than the fluted bolt, I assure you. But it would make a nice addition to my custom rifle none the less
wink.gif
</div></div>

You can have Karl leave the bottom of the bolt non-fluted so that you don't have to worry about it gouging up your brass. I had him do this on a long action bolt and it works great.
 
Re: Bolt Fluiting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: offroadr1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">that was pulled straight out of someones ass. </div></div>

If it was fluted at least it wouldn't jam while it was being pulled out
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If nothing else though, a fluted bolt does look cool.
 
Re: Bolt Fluiting

Thanx for the info. I reasearched it last night online and couldnt find anything anywhere that said it damaged brass. Ill think it over. I have enough good opinions about this. Thanks people!
 
Re: Bolt Fluiting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: offroadr1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">but the flutes arent cut into a knife edge, they are polished and easy to handle. </div></div>

if the person/company who did it does the polishing and knocks down the edges. someone here actually had that issue with his brass
 
Re: Bolt Fluiting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AXEMAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: offroadr1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">but the flutes arent cut into a knife edge, they are polished and easy to handle. </div></div>

if the person/company who did it does the polishing and knocks down the edges. someone here actually had that issue with his brass </div></div>

yep. right out of the machine, the flutes are plenty sharp enough to cut you.
 
Re: Bolt Fluiting

The profile I use on mine mitigate this. It takes a few seconds in the lathe to knock down the edges with some green scotchbrite after machining.

No reason for flutes to chew up brass.

However. If you have a mechanical eject action and want bolt flutes you better have either smith who's done them before, otherwise your in for a real big surprise.

That surprise sucks btw.

C