Barrel lathe on order, what to build
Hi all, I'm looking for suggestions. For some time I have been eying a lathe to start turning and chambering my own barrels and possibly a suppressor or two. Without much of a plan I figured I should s**t or get off the pot.... so I ordered it.
The lathe is on back order so I have some time, but I want to get some blanks and reamers on order. I have been kicking around the idea of a 243, or a 300wsm, or a 338edge, or a 378wby wildcat. I think my excitement is getting the best of me. I'm curious to hear the suggestions of the forum.
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Barrel lathe on order, what to build
I'd probably start with the .243. I've heard that the sharp shouldered Ackley's, WSM's, etc., can be frustrating to learn on. Again, that's only heard. No experience with them. My first was a .30-06 on a Hart blank. Figured I'd go for broke first thing. [emoji1]
Barrel lathe on order, what to build
If I could, I'd make the suggestion that you'll save yourself considerable frustration to start with a contoured blank. Although the taper isn't extremely difficult to set up, the turning of a chatter-free long skinny piece of steel has caused me to expand my already colorful vocabulary.
I've had good luck with X Caliber blanks, barrels shoot good and they get them out on schedule.
By the way, what machine do you have on order?