[hombre243]

Anyone here fire lap their bore? What was the result?

 

[msharley]

Hey Hombre,

Would not "firelap", unless there is a "problem" in the bore.

Just my two cents........

Later, Mark

 

[hombre243]

Hey Hombre,

Would not "firelap", unless there is a "problem" in the bore.

Just my two cents........

Later, Mark

Why? Got a reason?

 

[msharley]

Hey Hombre,

Yes. Firelapping is "accelerated" barrel wear.

Essentially, one is "grinding" the bore.

The only time it is advisable, is if one has "problems"......such as severe leading (that is not bullet/powder/velocity related), or a "restriction". Restrictions sometimes occur where the barrel is wound into the receiver, and where the dove tail "cuts" are.

In either of the last two cases, one is better served with JB Bore Polish on a tight fitting jag, and just polishing the "restriction".

Now, if you have a barrel that just "won't shoot" (ammo that is "proven" in other rifles), a "judicious" firelap prior to barrel replacement, may be in order.

Some of the bench rest guys will fire lap a new barrel, with a very fine compound. They know they only have 3,000 rds of barrel life.........before accuracy falls off, and they will replace the barrel.

Their contention is that the "fine" fire lap "smooths" any minor "flaws" in the barrel, that could possibly cause copper fouling and other "problems". (most of us do not own rifles where these "problems" could show up) LOL

If using jacketed bullets, and notice the bore is "copper fouling" excessively (per caliber), and continues to so do (even after removing the "copper fouling" several times), then a "gentle" fire lap may be in order. Would still do the JB Bore Polish routine.........FIRST.

Polishing by "hand" allows one to "feel" any "snags" or "rough spots", and if/when they "smooth out".

There are two or three barrel makers (out of dozens) that recommend a fire lap job...........with their "extra fine compound" and reduced loads, for barrels in certain calibers (mostly the real "high velocity" models)

Hope some of this helps.

Later, Mark

 

[hombre243]

Hey Hombre,

Yes. Firelapping is "accelerated" barrel wear.

Essentially, one is "grinding" the bore.

The only time it is advisable, is if one has "problems"......such as severe leading (that is not bullet/powder/velocity related), or a "restriction". Restrictions sometimes occur where the barrel is wound into the receiver, and where the dove tail "cuts" are.

In either of the last two cases, one is better served with JB Bore Polish on a tight fitting jag, and just polishing the "restriction".

Now, if you have a barrel that just "won't shoot" (ammo that is "proven" in other rifles), a "judicious" firelap prior to barrel replacement, may be in order.

Some of the bench rest guys will fire lap a new barrel, with a very fine compound. They know they only have 3,000 rds of barrel life.........before accuracy falls off, and they will replace the barrel.

Their contention is that the "fine" fire lap "smooths" any minor "flaws" in the barrel, that could possibly cause copper fouling and other "problems". (most of us do not own rifles where these "problems" could show up) LOL

If using jacketed bullets, and notice the bore is "copper fouling" excessively (per caliber), and continues to so do (even after removing the "copper fouling" several times), then a "gentle" fire lap may be in order. Would still do the JB Bore Polish routine.........FIRST.

Polishing by "hand" allows one to "feel" any "snags" or "rough spots", and if/when they "smooth out".

There are two or three barrel makers (out of dozens) that recommend a fire lap job...........with their "extra fine compound" and reduced loads, for barrels in certain calibers (mostly the real "high velocity" models)

Hope some of this helps.

Later, Mark

I have read all this second hand information too. I asked for experience and first hand knowledge. Thanks.