barrel sideplay

[revbc]

Did a little trading with darkroomdan on an (email was posted) ancient post.  Seems we both got what we were looking for, me a 223 bull barrel and he a regular contour.

The barrel seems to fit fairly well, 002 feeler is to tight to remove, .0015 will slide out with some resistance (between barrel and breach).  Locks up good, no vertical movement, latch self contact looks to be about .060 all the way across.  However there is some horizontal (side play) in the barrel.  Not much, but you can feel it if you move the barrel back and forth against the receiver.

I saw where someone put JB epoxy between the barrel and where the barrel lays in the receiver.  They put release agent on the barrel so it would not stick to the barrel after drying.  I really don't want to do this because my 308 bull is factory fitted to the receiver with no slop.

Any suggestions, anyone.

Thanks

Revbc

[quickdtoo]

There should be no movement between the frame and barrel for best accuracy, if there is, it will affect accuracy. .001" movement at the breech end of the barrel can affect bullet POI about 12" at 100yds, so it's imparative for accuracy that lock up be identical each time the action is closed, if there's movement, there's a good chance it won't be locked up the same each time. Barrel fitting instructions in the FAQ cover how to fix it, H&R would replace the barrel if it was factory fitted.

Bedding the barrel in the frame would dedicate the frame to the .223 barrel, the 308 barrel most likely wouldn't fit. You'll most likely find you have a ~.001" gap at the chamber end of the barrel, a good fit will be tight on a .001" blade.

Tim

[LaOtto222]

I was typing a reply to this and Tim beat me to it. They do not call him QUICK for nothing.

[revbc]

Tim,
If I shim the barrel with .001 shim epoxied to the lug, do you think it will tighten up the side play.  If I shim any thicker, I dont think it will close.  I guess I could always file the face of the barrel if it is to tight.  I am not new to fitting close tolerances, but on rifles........I'm an infant!  I want to do the least as possible, less is always better.

Thanks again,
Revbc

Here's a pic of what I'm working on.

[quickdtoo]

Drop a round in the barrel and see how far below the chamber face the headstamp of the cartridge is, ideally, it will be flush, any amount that is recessed, is headspace in addition to the barrel to frame gap. The only way to reduce the headspace other than fire forming the brass, is to flat file the chamber face until the cartridge is flush, then fit the pivot with the appropriate shim per the barrel fitting instructions.

Tim

[revbc]

Tim,
Thanks for the advice.  Got a little anxious......went ahead with .0015 shim on the lug, had some JB weld laying around.  Laid it in.......with release agent on the pin.  Locks up nice and tight.  Don't want to disturb it now.  May just see how she shoots the weekend.  Will post the results.

Great site.

Thanks,