T
Tony Shankle
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pictures
So let's add some pics...
So let's add some pics...
Consider this. Many benchrest gunsmiths now use a 90 degree sharp edge crown. Why? It works and it is fast, and, the barrel doesn't have to be indicated perfectly. About 0.001"-0.005" is close enough.
Shoot that barrel for accuracy. Now, take that same barrel and indicate the GROOVES to 0.0001" or less if you can get it there. Machine an approx. 0.005" x 45 bevel on the face/bore intersection. Shoot the barrel again for accuracy. Same? Most likely. At least on 8-10 barrels I tried it on in the last 2-3 years. On the size bevel I use, there is just a faint line visible on the grooves and somewhat more, naturally, on the lands. This is what I consider a 0.005" x 45 bevel.
Now comes the weeding out part. If you have the razor sharp edge at the face/bore intersection it is easy to see that razor sharp edge is very fragile and will show damage soon from cleaning. The 45 degree bevel will be much less fragile and will last much longer without affecting accuracy.
Pulling the last few weeds, if you do your own barrel work, the sharp edge is fine but you will need to refresh it every 250 rounds or so. The micro-beveled barrel can probably go 600 or more rounds without needing to be refreshed.
All this is considering the normal process benchrest shooters use for shooting and cleaning. There are situations where the muzzle bore may be worn to a bell shape by poor cleaning methods or high round count, but, the average benchrest shooter will have tossed that barrel way before the muzzle bore wears any visible or gageable amount.
Tony, lots of considerations in the answer to that question.Thanks for your comments Jerry. How many people (what percentage) in the benchrest world refresh their crowns? Is is something seen more in short range benchrest?
Tony you may have been shooting Hi Power, Service Rifle or such. Those sports don't require the finite accuracy that benchrest does.OK Jackie and Jerry...
You have now freaked me out a bit. I have been shooting long range in one discipline or another for over 20 years and I have never had a crown refreshed. I just shot the barrel out and put on a new barrel. Now, for the last couple of days I have been walking around thinking several thoughts....
(1) Of all the great Smiths and Mentors I have had, why didn't any of them tell me to do this?
(2) If the crown is that important, why didn't my performance (grouping) change long before I shot out the barrel? If the impact is that great why didn't I see a change?
(3) Could it be possible that it is more important for certain bullets, cartridges, and ranges?
You both are two guys I would listen to (respect) so please read this as a request for enlightenment and not argument. If I am doing it wrong I certainly want to fix it!
Tony you may have been shooting Hi Power, Service Rifle or such. Those sports don't require the finite accuracy that benchrest does.
Speaking of accuracy, I've got to finish loading the motorhome. We're leaving tomorrow AM for the IBS 100/200 Nationals.