Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats Barrel fluting question

Folks is there a rule of thumb for minimum wall thickness on a barrel that you need before it can be fluted?

I am mentally blueprinting my .257 AI and I have never had a fluted barrel and I really like the looks of a straight fluted barrel like the 700 LVSF.

I think Remmy uses a magnum profile barrel (.650) for their fluted barrels.

If I am going with a quarter bore (.257), could a use a barrel at the muzzle that is .600 and get it fluted?


Thanks.

Not all flutes are created equally. Not sure there is a rule-of-thumb since flute depth can vary. I think you'll be able to have both worlds with your project.

As a rule of thumb, a remaining wall thickness of .130 is usually considered safe. So with your muzzle diameter of .600, there should be enough metal there to cut some nice looking flutes.

My .257 WSM has a 25" Schneider that mics at .620" and it IS fluted.. You shouldn't have any problems.

What them said.

The factory magnum contour will flute fine up through about .30 cal, so you should be fine.

Pretty good idea you have there.

I have a Rem 700 LVSF in .22-250 that's mostly shot out. I've got the new barrel already ordered. Sticking to the factory external contour, fluting, etc, but in .25 for a ... yep ... .257 Roberts. Just waitin' for that package from Lilja to arrive.

So .. I like the way your mind works!!