Fluting Weight Comparison

[radioflyer777]

Greetings,

Does anyone have comparison data for weight reduction on the various fluting styles? I'm considering my options for a new semi-bull or bull build. Specifically, I would be interested in seeing numbers for standard vs premium fluting options. (Maybe a chart like the barrel weights in the FAQ?)

My budget says, "standard" but I really like the honeycomb and dimple fluting.

Thanks,

[GLSHOOTER]

Jun 26, 2017 18:31:37 GMT -8 radioflyer777 said:

Greetings,

Does anyone have comparison data for weight reduction on the various fluting styles? I'm considering my options for a new semi-bull or bull build. Specifically, I would be interested in seeing numbers for standard vs premium fluting options. (Maybe a chart like the barrel weights in the FAQ?)

My budget says, "standard" but I really like the honeycomb and dimple fluting.

Thanks,

JP had some numbers at the shop. Give them a call directly and they may be able to help you out. I can say the honeycomb is the one that takes the most weight of the tube.

The chart would be good except the profiles/flute combinations would be endless. If I was there I might make a stab at it but being in Phoenix I can't quite reach the scales.

Greg

[warriorscholar]

FWIW almost none of the PRS shooters use a fluted barrel as the flutes can heat at different rates effecting accuracy. That being said I have barrels that are fluted and they shoot well but, I would never have a custom barrel made that way for that reason. If weight was that important i'd go big bucks and go CF. Just one guy's opinion.

[tonythetiger]

I've talked to a few PRS guys, none of them would even consider fluting. I read that Accuracy International did quite a bit of testing on barrels, then fluted them and tested again. They strongly advised against fluting after that.

[radioflyer777]

Thanks for the replies - that's good food for thought.  However, I am not a PRS shooter, just an ordinary Joe looking for a good compromise between weight and minimizing POI shift; for fun and personal satisfaction. BTW, do you know if any of those PRS people have published an article or study on the effects of fluting? Just curious what kind of shifts they wer seeing and if there is empirical evidence to back their claims.  I was assuming that a fluted heavy would be more stable than a non-fluted standard weight barrel.  The build in question is for a 24" 260 Rem on an AR 308 frame, so I think a non-fluted semi-bull or bull might be heavier than I am willing to go.

me: engineer by day, amatuer ballistician by night.

[wilson1968]

Just chiming in here. But I have a 260 rem with a 24 inch semi bull and if I recall right my whole setup is right at 13 pounds.

[warriorscholar]

Here ya go

precisionrifleblog.com/tag/barrel-fluting/