First time Fluting my own bolt on Savage 12FV

[Grimstod]

So this is for my Savage 12FV I got from Cabelas during their Christmas sale. Originally it was a 6.5CM but they do not shoot that great so I put a 6.5x47 barrel on it. I have made a bunch of other mods to it to, such as a A4 style stock, bedding, bottom metal and AI 10rd mag. I bushed the bolt to and times the firing pin protrusion. In my latest iteration I decided to try my hand at bolt fluting. This was not as hard as I though it would be and only took me 45min to do. Still it has imperfections that I will try to work out on my next bolt.


I think the biggest mistake I made was the end mill. This one is for aluminum and not really suited for steel. I should have used one of my 7flute end mills not the 3 flute. I would have eliminated a lot of chatter and let me cut faster too.

Here is a finished photos. Next one I do I think I will make longer tuts too. Maybe even go the entire bolt length except the very back end where the sear button is.

[drybean]

outtanding!!!!!!!!!

[PB_Crisp]

Precision Mathews 833T Mill?
Did you cut on the side of the bit or the end?

The 'tailstock' in the vice is interesting. Is it custom made? Do you have to reset it every time you use it...or is it machined to be on-center height with the 3-jaw?

I am considering fluting an AR barrel using this method - or one similar.

[Robinhood]

PB, I would suggest a Convex Radius End Mill or Convex Radius Cutter on an arbor. If You already have an arbor, it may provide some extra rigidity and the larger diameter would mean more flutes....more cutting surfaces less wear.

[gbflyer]

Machine porn in the morning! Very nicely done.

[sharpshooter]

Some of your problems are the result of the bolt body being case hardened. The case runs about .015" deep, and the outer skin is about 50 Rockwell C. Use a 4 flute carbide endmill and feed about 5 inches per min. using coolant.

[Evlshnngns]

I read straight flutes were not optimal when magazine fed. When cycling the bolt, the next round gets rattled, bumping up and down the flutes. With that new barrel you should be all set for some world records.

[sharpshooter]

I read straight flutes were not optimal when magazine fed. When cycling the bolt, the next round gets rattled, bumping up and down the flutes.

I was gonna mention that. Those flutes are so big that it will lock up the bolt.