Chrome Barrel Query

[ZBeast]

Just cranked a FA chromed bore .308 barrel on a Breda Garand receiver. Timed,indexed 100%. Now bad news, bolts do not drop on a go gauge. 11 different bolts and still no way. Do I change up receivers, keep looking for a bolt that might work, cuss some more, find another hobby?

[Eli]

Try a different bolt - don't ream, and don't lap! I think somebody has a list of 'short' to 'long' bolts. The barrel might be short, though - it's been known to happen.

Eli

[mxlmax]

The bolt "lengths" shortest to longest seem to be....
WRA (and Breda, Beretta bolts are supposed to be the same length)
-12SA
-14SA
-19SA
-2
65 Series
Also lug wear has to be considered. This info is stolen from E-7 Retired's list I copied. YMMV. If none of that works I hear that Wild Turkey has a new 17 year aged offering that might quell the nerves.

[musketjon]

Ream--no way. You risk breaking the reamer or chipping the chrome, or both. Lapping is possible but will take forever due to the chrome. How far is the go gage from closing? If it's close and only a RCH from closing, AND a round will chamber without forcing it, I'd go ahead and shoot it. Bolt lugs, bolts and lug slots have been known to settle in.
Jon

[ZBeast]

At the best, it is about 2-3 thou from total bolt lock. I am heading towards using another receiver as this project is for a friend of a friend. No need to send out a defective combination of parts. Other option is to find another barrel.

[timshufflin]

At .002 or .003, I lap.

[ZBeast]

At .002 or .003, I lap.

Ok, where do I start? I have lapping pastes and patience (limited right now) but more is expected soon.

[timshufflin]

Where do you start? I'd find a video somewhere on how to do it. There has to be one somewhere. Trying to explain that in writing would be kind of tough. As a rule though I hate lapping but in your case I'd do it. Just remember, you'll have .003 more case sticking out of the chamber which isn't a huge deal with military brass but can make some queezy with multiple reloaded brass, particularly commercial brass. This all being said, people do do this all the time.

With as little as you have to remove, I'd use the lapping compound at 800 grit. You could also lap with the barrel installed using a cut in half cartridge and a garand hammer spring.

[timshufflin]

Here's a video I have that tool he's using from Brownells but you can use a cut cartridge case.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuxGbnzYess

[Orlando]

lap it



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