Gunsmithing Flutes? Need to shed lbs!

biscuit75camaro

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 16, 2011
408
10
Texas
I have a dpms LR 6.5 creedmoor and man this thing is heavy! I have the machines and xp. to flute the bbl im really needing it to be a little bit lighter how far can i flute from the ID of the bore? Im goin to flute it as much as i can and im thinking of turning it down a little bit or maybe taking 2" off the end what do yall think?
 
Re: Flutes? Need to shed lbs!

Unless it's something like MTU contour and you use deep flutes is the only way your really gonna shave a decent amount of weight. A thinner profile or a lose of some length is about the best way to lose weight.
 
Re: Flutes? Need to shed lbs!

Let the fluting begin!!
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Regards, Paul
 
Re: Flutes? Need to shed lbs!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: biscuit_75</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like a 1" at least under the handguard and 920 past the gas block </div></div>

You might shave some decent weight then. Maybe flute under handguard and turn muzzle down from gas block forward to something like .820?

Just a thought, I don't know if that would be a good idea or not but ask a smith and see what they recommend.
 
Re: Flutes? Need to shed lbs!

I have no expirence fluting,

In my mind I would be worried about inducing stress on the barrel after it has allready been finished. I have two flutted guns, but both were done at the maker, and I am assuming under more controlled circumstances. I have talked with folks who lost accuracy from fluting thier own.

Just something to think about.

Might look at your stock, mounts, Etc .
 
Re: Flutes? Need to shed lbs!

I don't know for sure, I'm not a gunsmith but Ive seen Kampfeld flute many barrels without it affecting anything. If I was going to have one fluted I would definitely choose someone like Kamfeld to do the work

Or

Boltfluter, from what I've seen on here he's done some awesome work.
 
Re: Flutes? Need to shed lbs!

Fluting does not induce stress. Any outside turning/fluting relieves stress. Taken straight from the machinists handbook. I have fluted many barrels and never had an issue. The key is to take light cuts 180 deg. from each other. Go for it.
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Regards, Paul
 
Re: Flutes? Need to shed lbs!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bill Larson</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> do a search........... fluting has been thoroughly discussed....
in a nutshell...fluting should be done before reaming/rifling and lapping....
bill larson</div></div>
Yes you can flute AFTER drilling/reaming/rifling....BUT... it can change a barrels dimensions.AND HARMONICS...
That`s WHY barrel mfg. do fluting first.... go to their website.... call them up.... Fact not Opinion.....
bill larson