Stupid Questions

[hj_S14]

Guys,
I have a really stupid question about fluted bolt. A lot of us flute the bolt for weight saving (not sure if this is true) or cosmetic look or for whatever the reason it is. I just notice my axmc 338 has fluted bolt too. What's the purpose of that?
I'm surprise AI flute its bolt, what's the reason behind it? Thanks
J

[RobertMW]

I can't remember if this was speculation or actually confirmed: They flute the bolt so that if taken into freezing conditions that the bolt will not get frozen to the action by any moisture. The fluting does this by both reducing the surface area in contact with each other, and adding stress concentrations in frozen material at the edges of the fluting so they are easier to break free.

[JMP]

The AI bolt has fluting unlike other bolts. The flutes are never exposed to the ejection port so water and debris is harder to get inside the action. Also, the part that rolls over the magazine doesn't have flutes to potential interfere and even damage the rounds in the magazine. The AI does have graduated flutes on the side opposite the ejection port to help clear excess lube or water that can get into the action and these act to channel it out. Unless the AX is different, you don't see the flutes unless you pull the bolt. This is why AI has made the only functional, non-cosmetic fluted bolt.

[hj_S14]

Thanks for the info. Yes, I just never paid attention to the flutes so I was surprise when cleaning it today . AI flutes are not spiral either and it does make sense with what you said.

The AI bolt has fluting unlike other bolts. The flutes are never exposed to the ejection port so water and debris is harder to get inside the action. Also, the part that rolls over the magazine doesn't have flutes to potential interfere and even damage the rounds in the magazine. The AI does have graduated flutes on the side opposite the ejection port to help clear excess lube or water that can get into the action and these act to channel it out. Unless the AX is different, you don't see the flutes unless you pull the bolt. This is why AI has made the only functional, non-cosmetic fluted bolt.

[toby]

They have flutes because it gets people all riled up as to the pros and cons of why people do the things they do and they just cant get over it. I have NO fluted bolts and don't want any but I do have fluted barrels that shoot exactly the same way they shot without flutes. Thin barrels and bull barrels, HMMMMMMMMMMMMM imagine that!

[LynnJr]

Flutes were added to Benchrest rifles to reduce weight nothing to get riled up over.
After people saw the flutes they liked the look and the rest is history.
On fluted barrels any time you remove metal you change the bore dimension so while you haven't observed any difference it is there.
I take it your not shooting Benchrest type groups?

[SonofWWIIDI]

The only stupid question, is the one that isn't asked.

[toby]

Flutes were added to Benchrest rifles to reduce weight nothing to get riled up over.
After people saw the flutes they liked the look and the rest is history.
On fluted barrels any time you remove metal you change the bore dimension so while you haven't observed any difference it is there.
I take it your not shooting Benchrest type groups?

Yes and no on the groups all depends on the rifle and what I use it for but then nor do I care about benchrest type groups. So If the difference is there just where is it? and it seems only benchrest type people worry about it and think everyone's rifle is a POS because it's not what they themselves have or think it should be. or do they think it can't shoot so called benchrest type groups or any other precision groups. There are some very knowledgeable people here and you are one of them but you are also one of the culprits that put the confusion in so many posters here. It is what it is.

[killshot44]

There's no confusion, his third sentence lays it pretty clearly.
Benchrest shooters know what goes into a winning rifle.

[ar15barrels]

I just notice my axmc 338 has fluted bolt too. What's the purpose of that?
I'm surprise AI flute its bolt, what's the reason behind it?

AI calls those little tiny flutes "sand cuts".
They should just be in the rear bridge area where the receiver and bolt meet.

[Joseph Lee]

Every time I hear someone say they are about to ask a stupid question, it turns out to be a very good question.

[Divernhunter]

I liked the question and would not call it stupid.

[hj_S14]

Thanks Randall,
I think the one you have on the picture is on the older AI ? Like those AT , AW etc.? mine is from the AXMC and it's like this photo below.
Anyways, I never paid attention to it until I really clean it today to put in the safe after a few trips to the range and was

but I guess AI designs it for a purpose.

AI calls those little tiny flutes "sand cuts".
They should just be in the rear bridge area where the receiver and bolt meet.

[hj_S14]

Hi LynnJr,
I've seen a lot of post from you and I'm some what a rookie here when it comes to shooting at any range . What's benchrest type groups? Like the one who shoots on the bench?
J

Flutes were added to Benchrest rifles to reduce weight nothing to get riled up over.
After people saw the flutes they liked the look and the rest is history.
On fluted barrels any time you remove metal you change the bore dimension so while you haven't observed any difference it is there.
I take it your not shooting Benchrest type groups?

[ar15barrels]

Thanks Randall,
I think the one you have on the picture is on the older AI ? Like those AT , AW etc.? mine is from the AXMC and it's like this photo below.
Anyways, I never paid attention to it until I really clean it today to put in the safe after a few trips to the range and was

but I guess AI designs it for a purpose.

Notice how those flutes are NOT on the bottom of the bolt?
That's because AI understands that flutes on the bottom would screw with the ammo in the mag and how the bolt feels when you close it.
Those longer top flutes probably serve the same "sand cut" duty in the newer design of the AX receiver.
They leave a place for sand and other debris to collect while the bolt is being moved through the action.