Pardon if this subject isn't new. I've lurked and searched quite a bit with no satisfaction.
I've shot in Field Target since the early 90's. Been through a LOT of rifles and barrels. I've seen a few VERY accurate rifles over the years. Thought I knew how to extract the best accuracy from a barrel, but recently took more interest in actually perfecting a couple of rifles. I have machining capabilities for most things to do with barrels. Many of my rifles were accurate in light winds but I have only 2 FT rifles that are relatively easy to shoot in the wind.... a USFT at 18.5 ft/lb with a Lothar poly barrel prepped by ? and a AA RN10 at 12.5 ft/lb with factory barrel. They both blow about equal and will shoot about dime groups at 55 with reasonable care with the best pellets. Many of my others will do that in light or no wind, but not in the wind.
I recently bought a dozen poly's for a couple of projects and set about testing some in my USFT. Results were disappointing. 3/4" or more with most groups with the best pellets for all the barrels tested so far. ALL the barrels are somewhat uneven in bore diameter over the length and for the unchoked versions, I selected the tightest end for the muzzle and trimmed to the tightest point. I've tried lapping some of the constriction on the breech end to make it mostly even in bore size....getting a little tighter at the exit. Better.... but not great. I've even compared size and feel to my good barrels. At one point, I had a discussion with Frank Walther of Lothar Walther and HE SAYS EVERYONE GETS THE SAME BARRELS....in other words... no one is getting a higher level of quality than anyone else(for these, anyway). Keep in mind, the velocities are checked and consistent enough to not be part of the discussion. Sooooo......
Anyone have suggestions on how the best guys are prepping their barrels to give pretty consistent results? I know HOW to do most tasks related to it, just maybe not what I'm LOOKING for inside (or maybe outside besides a good fit and a carefully done crown) Also, I've tried velocities from the mid 800's to the low 900's and there ARE places where things get a little better..... just no magic.
Thanks in advance for your help
Bob
I've shot in Field Target since the early 90's. Been through a LOT of rifles and barrels. I've seen a few VERY accurate rifles over the years. Thought I knew how to extract the best accuracy from a barrel, but recently took more interest in actually perfecting a couple of rifles. I have machining capabilities for most things to do with barrels. Many of my rifles were accurate in light winds but I have only 2 FT rifles that are relatively easy to shoot in the wind.... a USFT at 18.5 ft/lb with a Lothar poly barrel prepped by ? and a AA RN10 at 12.5 ft/lb with factory barrel. They both blow about equal and will shoot about dime groups at 55 with reasonable care with the best pellets. Many of my others will do that in light or no wind, but not in the wind.
I recently bought a dozen poly's for a couple of projects and set about testing some in my USFT. Results were disappointing. 3/4" or more with most groups with the best pellets for all the barrels tested so far. ALL the barrels are somewhat uneven in bore diameter over the length and for the unchoked versions, I selected the tightest end for the muzzle and trimmed to the tightest point. I've tried lapping some of the constriction on the breech end to make it mostly even in bore size....getting a little tighter at the exit. Better.... but not great. I've even compared size and feel to my good barrels. At one point, I had a discussion with Frank Walther of Lothar Walther and HE SAYS EVERYONE GETS THE SAME BARRELS....in other words... no one is getting a higher level of quality than anyone else(for these, anyway). Keep in mind, the velocities are checked and consistent enough to not be part of the discussion. Sooooo......
Anyone have suggestions on how the best guys are prepping their barrels to give pretty consistent results? I know HOW to do most tasks related to it, just maybe not what I'm LOOKING for inside (or maybe outside besides a good fit and a carefully done crown) Also, I've tried velocities from the mid 800's to the low 900's and there ARE places where things get a little better..... just no magic.
Thanks in advance for your help
Bob
