I have never re-chambered a factory barrel, everything I have worked on has been an aftermarket blank of good quality. Ive re-chambered a Kreiger barrel that I first made in 22/250 to 22/243 and the process was easy enough and the rifle shot well.
I have been put off from working on factory barrels as my friend (who first got me started) told me the quality of the steel used in factory barrels is poor and that can be hard and cause damage or premature wear on the reamers. I notice all off my local smiths seem to refuse to work on factory barrels but I wasn't sure if the tool wear issue was a fact or if it was so they could work with a known quality barrel?
I was asked today if I would re-chamber a factory Sako from 223 to 223 Ackley, as you will know there isn't really going to be much cutting to move the shoulder forward and reset the new headspace but I wondered what you thoughts were on doing this guys? I value my reamers and dont want to ruin one for the sake of a favour to a friend.
I have been put off from working on factory barrels as my friend (who first got me started) told me the quality of the steel used in factory barrels is poor and that can be hard and cause damage or premature wear on the reamers. I notice all off my local smiths seem to refuse to work on factory barrels but I wasn't sure if the tool wear issue was a fact or if it was so they could work with a known quality barrel?
I was asked today if I would re-chamber a factory Sako from 223 to 223 Ackley, as you will know there isn't really going to be much cutting to move the shoulder forward and reset the new headspace but I wondered what you thoughts were on doing this guys? I value my reamers and dont want to ruin one for the sake of a favour to a friend.