The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Re-crowning a cut barrel?

wpsdlrg · February 24, 2013, 01:24 PM

Well, I DON'T really WANT to say it's OK.....because the possibility of screwing up your new crown is MUCH greater with a steel bolt. But, if you must, you can use a steel (round head) bolt. Brass is MUCH better for this, because it won't screw up your work by abrading the rough crown (steel on steel is not desirable). The contour of the bolt head should closely match the rough crown you've created. Make sure to use PLENTY of fine grinding paste - stop and wipe off the dirty paste and add fresh paste OFTEN. DON'T press too hard - just enough pressure to create the polishing effect - NO MORE. Let the paste do the work. Finally, make sure that the bolt head is smooth - NO raised markings whatsoever. A screwdriver slot doesn't matter (it actually helps to hold the grinding paste)....but, of course, you likely won't have that with a bolt large enough to do a 50 cal. barrel, anyway.

GO SLOW and LIGHT pressure (especially if you resort to a steel bolt) !!!

February 24, 2013, 01:24 PM	#12
wpsdlrg Senior Member Join Date: August 18, 2009 Posts: 826	Well, I DON'T really WANT to say it's OK.....because the possibility of screwing up your new crown is MUCH greater with a steel bolt. But, if you must, you can use a steel (round head) bolt. Brass is MUCH better for this, because it won't screw up your work by abrading the rough crown (steel on steel is not desirable). The contour of the bolt head should closely match the rough crown you've created. Make sure to use PLENTY of fine grinding paste - stop and wipe off the dirty paste and add fresh paste OFTEN. DON'T press too hard - just enough pressure to create the polishing effect - NO MORE. Let the paste do the work. Finally, make sure that the bolt head is smooth - NO raised markings whatsoever. A screwdriver slot doesn't matter (it actually helps to hold the grinding paste)....but, of course, you likely won't have that with a bolt large enough to do a 50 cal. barrel, anyway. GO SLOW and LIGHT pressure (especially if you resort to a steel bolt) !!!