Barrel Fluting

[jbs2014]

What are your opinions on barrel fluting? I know that it does reduce weight and increases surface area so it aids in cooling.

How does it affect barrel harmonics?
Does it compromise the structural integrity of the barrel making it more likely to blow up?
Do spiral flutes do anything besides look cool?
Is there a fluting type that is preferred for accuracy?

I am in the process of getting a custom .50 BMG barrel kit for my Desert Tech HTI and I am wondering if I should go with the manufacturer that can flute the barrel or the one that offers the K&P barrel without flutes?

Thank you for your time.

 

[zr600]

The weight savings isn't much, proably like dropping down one contour number depending on the contour. If you like the looks and are willing to pay the extra $150
Or so for fluting go for it. If you are expecting extreme weight differences, and way better cooling I would skip it's more for looks or when counting ounces.

 

[KyCarl]

I think they are mostly for looks? No one has proven to me that a fluted barrel shoots
one bit better than the same barrel un-fluted! I save the cash and use it on a good trigger.

 

[Mach 1]

I agree with kycarl. I haven't read anywhere or seen fluting affect barrel harmonics for the good Or Bad. Its mostly for looks. I never even noticed fluted barrels cooling off
Faster. I'm sure it helps but Not Really enough to tell.

 

[YZ-80]

I agree with KyCarl too but I'm a sucker for flutes!

 

[338 dude]

What are your opinions on barrel fluting? I know that it does reduce weight and increases surface area so it aids in cooling.

How does it affect barrel harmonics?
Does it compromise the structural integrity of the barrel making it more likely to blow up?
Do spiral flutes do anything besides look cool?
Is there a fluting type that is preferred for accuracy?

I am in the process of getting a custom .50 BMG barrel kit for my Desert Tech HTI and I am wondering if I should go with the manufacturer that can flute the barrel or the one that offers the K&P barrel without flutes?

Thank you for your time.

Definitely minimal weight savings and probably next to no differences in cooling but I have to wonder anytime you cut on a barrel that is already made you would be adding stress to that barrel in my opinion which would degrade accuracy

 

[WeiserBucks]

For an HTI , it's strictly cosmetic. I'd call SAC and TS Costoms , go with whichever can get it done quicker. I've had DTA barrels from both shops and they're equally excellent.

 

[jbs2014]

For an HTI , it's strictly cosmetic. I'd call SAC and TS Costoms , go with whichever can get it done quicker. I've had DTA barrels from both shops and they're equally excellent.

Thank you will do?

 

[jbs2014]

I think they are mostly for looks? No one has proven to me that a fluted barrel shoots
one bit better than the same barrel un-fluted! I save the cash and use it on a good trigger.

Think they shoot any worse?

 

[WeiserBucks]

Any custom DTA barrel is going to shoot great fluted or not . Anybody recommending that you buy a good trigger for an HTI has an obvious case of cranial rectosis .

 

[jbs2014]

Any custom DTA barrel is going to shoot great fluted or not . Anybody recommending that you buy a good trigger for an HTI has an obvious case of cranial rectosis .

I am happy with the HTIs factory trigger. I would just buy the regular DT barrel assembly but I doubt I could safely get a 750 grain projectile to 2850 with a 29" barrel.

 

[KyCarl]

I don't know if they are any worse But 45 years as a machinist says any machining
causes stresses and if you stress it after you finish the bore it can't help!
As for triggers I use Bix n Andy Marksman 2 stage They are the finest!

 

[brentc]

All of my fluted bbls shoot fantastic. I have them done by the barrel manufacturer spec'd for maximum weight reduction. It's not purely cosmetic for me. Properly fluted barrels make a more balanced carry rifle and I love well balanced rifles.

 

[elf]

I don't know if they are any worse But 45 years as a machinist says any machining
causes stresses and if you stress it after you finish the bore it can't help!
As for triggers I use Bix n Andy Marksman 2 stage They are the finest!

I have read that after fluting a barrel, it must be stress relieved, adding to the cost.