I know it's not a rifle barrel but always wondered about the possible effects on accuracy for example on an aftermarket revolver round PPC barrel during the milling process. For example would a specific sequence (and spacing distance) be critical using a ball mill to remove material along a heavy barrel? Thanks...

The barrel blanks are stress relieved in the manufacturing process, so are pretty stable. The sequence of events is only critical in terms of holding and/or measuring the part.

For example, the first operations should be to face the ends, then turn to diameter on centers to make sure the outside is concentric to the bore. Then threading for the frame on centers.

When milling the flats, finish one flat to size instead of doing both at once. That way you can mike from the 1st flat to the original diameter to make sure it's parallel and to the right size. Then do the other flat and you can measure flat to flat to get them centered on the bore and parallel to each other in 2 planes. When done correctly, the bore will be exactly centered in all directions within 1 or 2 thousandths.

The main concerns for accuracy on a revolver barrel are a good muzzle crown, good forcing cone, and not crushed in the barrel threads by tightening too hard. Same for a factory barrel.

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Excellent response..Thanks!

Nicely answered.

I used a few different PPC revolvers during my time on the PD's shooting team. Every barrel was milled a bit differently for its final form. All shot more accurately than I could hold except perhaps at the 50 yard prone stage.

I still have this one in the safe.

Attached Images

S&W Mod 15-3 PPC 2-800-90%.jpg (182.0 KB, 43 views)

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