Frequently Commonly Asked Questions
Q: What type of rifling process does Krieger Barrels use?
A: We use the single-point cut-rifling method only. Please note that some barrel makers advertise that they do cut rifling but are actually doing broach cutting. Broach cutting is a form of cut rifling, but the two methods are completely different. Please see page two of our catalog for a better description of the single-point cut-rifling method.
Q: Why is there some confusion that we might do button rifling?
A: In 1999, we started another barrel company Criterion Barrels that manufactures button rifled barrels for the O.E.M. market. These barrels are not directly for sale to the general public. Recently there have been some magazine articles written regarding this company which has caused some confusion. Be assured that when you order a Krieger Barrel, you are getting a single-point cut-rifled Krieger Barrel.
Q: What do we think of Fire Lapping?
A: Firelapping does have some applications. Example being in some factory type barrels that have a rough bore finish or very rough throat and this causes the barrel to foul badly. Fire Lapping can help smooth it out and reduce some of the fouling. Depending on how it's done or how many times the barrel is firelapped lengthen of the throat can occur.
Q: Should our Barrels be Fire Lapped?
A: No. Due to our process of Manufacturing our Barrels we Pre-Lap them before Rifling and finish lap them after rifling. This gives a very smooth and uniform finish. Fire lapping it will not make the Barrel any Smoother.
Note: If you fire lap one of our Barrels, All warranties will be voided.
Q: Is there any advantage to a single-point cut-rifled barrel Vs other manufacturing methods?
A:We feel there are several:
A: This is not conjecture on our part. This is information reported to us by military armorers and also by very long-time competition shooters who have used a considerable number of both button-rifled and cut-rifled barrels.
Q: Do we have different grades of barrels; i.e. Standard Vs Match...?
A: No. All of our barrels are made the same way. We do not manufacture different grades of barrels.
Q: Why don't we have different "grades"?
A: Due to our manufacturing process -- single-point cut-rifling-- we do not have the problem of other barrel makers. Because of the uniformity of the twist and the consistency of the bore and groove dimensions, our barrels do not need to be graded differently.
Q: Do we lap the barrels?
A: Yes. Actually they get lapped twice. Once after the barrel is reamed to remove any reamer marks and then a second time after it is rifled for a finish lap.
Q: Can you damage a barrel during cleaning?
A: Yes. Damage is possible in the following ways: · By not using a bore guide. Use a bore guide whenever possible to prevent damage to the throat of the rifling and nicks and scratches to the bore. Always clean from the breech end whenever possible. · Damage to the crown from the cleaning rod. This is the most frequent cleaning damage we see. · Never mix your solvents either in a bottle or in the barrel. You never know how the solvents are going to react with each other or to the steel.
Q: What is our opinion on moly-coated bullets?
A: The jury is still out on this one. For the most part accuracy is a wash between the two. Your gun might shoot better, or it might shoot a little worse. For the most part we feel there is no difference. You will have to try them to find out if your gun "likes" them. Most people agree that you do lose a little velocity with them. As far as barrel life goes, there is no hard proof that a barrel will last longer using moly-coated bullets. These bullets might help a barrel that fouls badly (copper) to shoot better for a longer period of time (number of rounds being fired without cleaning). This could possibly help factory rifle barrels or ones not having a good bore finish.
Q: How does fluting a barrel help?
A: Fluting reduces weight while increasing rigidity and lessening barrel vibration and whip. By exposing more exterior surface area, it also aids in cooling your barrel.
Q: What causes copper fouling in a barrel?
A: There are several factors: · The finish of the bore. · The roughness of the throat after chambering. Fouling can start back at the throat. (Please see our "Barrel Break-In and Cleaning" Instructions.) · Quality of the bullets. I.e. match bullets Vs military style ammo (fmj) or lower grade factory ammo. Good quality hunting bullets that have pure copper jackets to control expansion will tend to foul more. · Pressure. Our experience and some of the bullet manufactures' is that the higher the pressure, the more the bullets tend to foul the barrel.
Q: Which is better Chrome Moly or Stainless Steel?
A: For the most part neither one is better than the other. The only difference we find is that sometimes the chrome moly might take a little longer to break-in and might have a little more affinity for copper or seems to show it easier. In terms of barrel life and accuracy, we can find no difference.
Q: Does a barrel with more grooves shoot better or last longer than a barrel with less grooves?
A: No. Virtually none that we can find though it might make a difference in a button-rifled barrel. But a button-rifled barrel still on average will not last nearly as long as a single-point cut-rifled barrel.
Q: Will a paste-type bore cleaner such as J.B. or Rem Clean hurt a barrel during cleaning?
A: No. There is nothing that we can find that shows that it will harm the barrel provided you use a rod guide and refrain from exiting the muzzle.
Q: Do we offer pre-threaded or pre-chambered barrels for bolt action rifles?
A: No. Due to varying tolerances from action to action. Also with a drop in barrel you just end up with a factory fit and not a custom fit to your action.
