Muzzle squaring cutter and crown cutter?

[CJW]

I need to square and crown a .30 caliber barrel and need recommendations for cutters. I can get both cutters, crown cutter is 45 degreee, and pilot from Midway for $100. The brand they have is PTG. Brownells has the cutters, cutter is only 79 degree, and and pilot for $165. I know that metal cutting tool quality can vary and want to do a nice job so are the cutters from Midway any good or should I look elsewhere? I also don't want to spend a small fortune as I'll likely never use them again.

Thanks

 

[Hogpatrol]

Check directly from PT&G. Also, check the ads on other gun forums. Once in a while one will pop up.

Barrel Crown Tools - Pacific Tool and Gauge

Highest Quality Gunsmithing Tools, Barrel Crown Tools at Pacific Tool and Gauge. Made in White City Oregon USA.

pacifictoolandgauge.com

 

[gbflyer]

I need to square and crown a .30 caliber barrel and need recommendations for cutters. I can get both cutters, crown cutter is 45 degreee, and pilot from Midway for $100. The brand they have is PTG. Brownells has the cutters, cutter is only 79 degree, and and pilot for $165. I know that metal cutting tool quality can vary and want to do a nice job so are the cutters from Midway any good or should I look elsewhere? I also don't want to spend a small fortune as I'll likely never use them again.

Thanks

There are rental options, whether you’re looking to do it by hand or in a lathe. I have been a customer here and have had all positive experiences. Good alternative for those who don’t want to buy the tools.

Crowning Tools (rentals) Archives - 4D Reamer Rentals

Crowning tools include tools that will cut various angles or contours at the muzzle of the barrel. The crown is important for accuracy, it needs to be concentric and square to the bore. Under this heading you will find a variety of crowning tools. Some are designed for use by hand, these tools...

4drentals.com

 

[Rum Runner]

I had to have my 7mm Rem Mag recrowned. I finally took it to a good smith here in town; $160.00. Great price and great job...if you can stand the wait (5 weeks).

 

[fourfive8]

The best cut and crown is done on a lathe. Use a small tipped, sharp cutter to rebate the crown area about half the diameter of the muzzle face. Then, by eye, crown from bore edge outward the diameter of the rebate. Many use 11" as a standard but making the cut perfectly plumb and concentric is the most important aspect. After the cut, lightly dress crown edge, while lathe is turning, with finger and fine 400-600 grit paper. Most gunsmiths with a lathe should be able to do this type of work.

The most important part is setting up as to close to zero runout as possible. An experienced, decent gunsmith should have little trouble doing a first class job. About $100-150 is in the normal range for this.

 

[CJW]

I'm going to call a smith tomorrow to see what he says.

 

[C.W. Richter]

I would think that buying such tools would be best left to acquiring from the source rather than a national distributor.

 

[CJW]

I would think that buying such tools would be best left to acquiring from the source rather than a national distributor.

Care to explain why?

The price directly from PTG is cheaper but requires a 6-8 week wait. Otherwise what's the advantage?

 

[fourfive8]

Here's the type of crown I prefer and was trying to describe. It was done freehand on a lathe.

Usually the gunsmith will take the barrel out of the action. Use two hands simultaneously to make the cuts.

Eyeballed- likely not 11 deg. exactly, just a small positive angle to the crown face.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Crown descriptives: