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Zonie and others have mentioned that when drilling a vent hole larger, one needs to allow the drill bit to cut and try to keep it from pulling itself into the hole. That is VERY good advice so the drill bit doesn't scar or drill into the opposite side of the barrel.
However, here is a tip I don't believe I have read on this forum when drilling out vent holes or other holes in barrels. Try using a piece of a hardwood ramrod or dowel that is as close to bore size as possible and slide it down the bore before drilling out the hole. You can also use a full length ramrod that you are going to cut short later to fit your gun. That way, when the drill bit cuts through the metal, it hits the wood and it is easy to feel it whether using a drill press or a hand drill. This pretty much ensures the drill bit won't cut into the opposite side of the barrel and slows down a "run away" drill bit so you can stop it in time.
I came up with this when drilling or drilling out gas ports in VERY expensive target barrels and I can't tell you how much of the "worry" it takes away from your mind when drilling out holes in a barrel.
Gus
However, here is a tip I don't believe I have read on this forum when drilling out vent holes or other holes in barrels. Try using a piece of a hardwood ramrod or dowel that is as close to bore size as possible and slide it down the bore before drilling out the hole. You can also use a full length ramrod that you are going to cut short later to fit your gun. That way, when the drill bit cuts through the metal, it hits the wood and it is easy to feel it whether using a drill press or a hand drill. This pretty much ensures the drill bit won't cut into the opposite side of the barrel and slows down a "run away" drill bit so you can stop it in time.
I came up with this when drilling or drilling out gas ports in VERY expensive target barrels and I can't tell you how much of the "worry" it takes away from your mind when drilling out holes in a barrel.
Gus