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Rifling style

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homebrew .357

36 Cal.
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Hi, I'm into making a few black powder barrels, mainly for .45, .50, for patched round ball with cut rifling. Now I see that Cold grain and Rice barrels are top of the range and have rifling that's rounded at the bottom of the groves, is this better than the square type of rifling for a P/B barrel with a twist of 1-56" or 1-66" accuracy wise . The main thing is it would be harder to make a rifling cutter for a rounded grove but the barrels are sort after for there accuracy. So is there any difference if you are looking for a P /B barrel. Homebrew.357.
 

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I find the Rice radius grooved barrels are generally easier to clean and have less fouling. could be because there are no sharp corners where the crud can collect. Not really sure, but that is just my opinion.
 
I think the radius cut barrels are really for more ease of thorough cleaning (no sharp corners for fouling to hide in) Accuracy is just as good as straight cut. I have both styles in different rifles and both rifles are spot on off a rest. Offhand is as good as the shooter (depends on the day) lol
 
The main thing is it would be harder to make a rifling cutter for a rounded grove but the barrels are sort after for there accuracy. So is there any difference if you are looking for a P /B barrel.
Actually I believe it's actually easier to make round bottom rifling as the friction against the tool is less than with a square bottom rifling cutter. The Rice barrel is generally better quality steel, and is polished, to produce its match qualities. The method of cutting the grooves has less to do with it, than does the consistency of the depth vs. length plus the polishing.

ROUND VS SQUARE RIFLING.jpg

:thumb:

LD
 
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I've never been a good enough shot to tell any difference in accuracy between the two. I agree that the radius grooves bores clean a tad more quickly. I own both and like both.
 
OK, Thanks guys, just a bit extra on the cleaning side and as all my cutters are square will keep using them and its easer to lap the groves. Cheers, Homebrew.357.
 
5-R is the style of choice these days that you referenced..and variations of it. Seems to work well like others have stated. Might also create a better seal than the sharp corner.
Metford utilized radius rifling both groove & land, for less fouling, with great LR success in the 1860’s. Many things we’re experimented with in those days.
You’re correct, sharpening the radius is more than the straight cutter.
Good luck
 
Actually I believe it's actually easier to make round bottom rifling as the friction against the tool is less than with a square bottom rifling cutter. The Rice barrel is generally better quality steel, and is polished, to produce its match qualities. The method of cutting the grooves has less to do with it, than does the consistency of the depth vs. length plus the polishing.

View attachment 10814

:thumb:

LD
Rice also runs a carbide sizing die through the barrel after cutting the rifling to smooth out any irregularities in the bore. The Rice barrels that I have (all radius bottom rifling) shot great as received. Accurate, no cut patches and ‘easy’ to clean. I use a patch that compressed is about .018” thick.
 
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