Compare cut and button rifled barrels used with cast bullets

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Naphtali
Levergunner 2.0
Posts: 457
Joined: Sun Apr 27, 2008 2:21 pm
Location: Montana

Compare cut and button rifled barrels used with cast bullets

Post by Naphtali »

Please compare otherwise identical barrels using smokeless powder loads in the 36-40K CUP pressure range reasonable for modern "traditional" lever actions. When using hard cast gas check bullets in large bore lever actions chambered for 450 Alaskan, 475 Turnbull, 50 Alaskan, 50 Express, and so on, is there a significant difference in potential accuracy -- or ease of achieving acceptable accuracy -- between button rifled and cut rifled barrels?
It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and then don't say it. Sam Levinson
Charles
Advanced Levergunner
Posts: 2004
Joined: Sat Dec 15, 2007 2:29 pm
Location: Deep South Texas

Re: Compare cut and button rifled barrels used with cast bullets

Post by Charles »

You are asking one of those questions that can't be answered, because there won't be two barrels which are identical except for the method if rifling. You would be dealing with pure theory. Are you talking single point or broach cut rifling? Are you talking about push through or pull through button rifling?

On the whole, a cut rifled barrel tends to have a little deeper rifling than button rifled barrel and in theory that makes it a little better cast bullet barrel.

On the whole, a buttoned rifled barrel tends to have less tool marks than a cut rifled barrel and in theory that makes is a little better cast bullet barrel.

In the real world, you can get both types that are wonderful performers with cast bullets and both types that don't do cast bullets worth a hoot.

Now, If I were building a pure cast bullet rifle, I would get the finest quality, lapped single point cut rifled barrel available and cross my fingers.
Chuck 100 yd
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Re: Compare cut and button rifled barrels used with cast bullets

Post by Chuck 100 yd »

I cant add more to what Charles said and agree with all he said. :D
Naphtali
Levergunner 2.0
Posts: 457
Joined: Sun Apr 27, 2008 2:21 pm
Location: Montana

Re: Compare cut and button rifled barrels used with cast bullets

Post by Naphtali »

Thanks, guys, for going for honesty rather than pleasantness.

I differentiate between rifling that has been broached and cut rifling -- many passes scraping a progressively deeper groove -- referred to as single point.

Regarding pushing or pulling the button, if there is a significant difference between them for the cast bullet accuracy about which I queried, please let me know.
***
From your replies I can infer that a well made barrel, regardless of its origin, can be made to shoot cast bullets acceptably. I am assuming we are in agreement on a working definition of "well made barrel." Saves us quibbling over nuances.
It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and then don't say it. Sam Levinson
Pisgah
Senior Levergunner
Posts: 1899
Joined: Thu Sep 06, 2007 9:01 pm
Location: SC

Re: Compare cut and button rifled barrels used with cast bullets

Post by Pisgah »

I think it's already been well-stated, but the fact is that there will likely be as much or more variation in accuracy between two barrels rifled the same way than there will be between cut and button-rifled barrels, assuming all are manufactured to comparable standards. A cut rifled barrel that is well-lapped and stress-free can be darned accurate. And a well-made button rifled barrel ditto.
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