Barrel/bolt fluting

[AK5.56]

Was out last weekend in the desert trying to stretch out my R700 AAC-SD and test out a new bipod. I don't have much experience with bolt guns but the action feels pretty sticky. I only have about 100 rounds through it so I'm wondering if this is part of the reason? If I really manipulate the action it moves a bit smoother but then I loose my sight on target as I go to chamber the next round.

From videos I've watched it looks like guys can barley touch the bolt lever to chamber the next round. I did give it a good cleaning when purchased to remove all the factory gunk and I keep a light coat of Hoppes Oil on the bolt and chamber.

Is this normal or is there a good way to smooth out the action?

I looked in to some custom fluting which I read can smooth it out by allowing debris and gunk to freely pass through as well as less metal to metal friction. I don't know if this would really help what Im looking for.

Regardless, does anyone know of a custom fluting shop in San Diego or close by that can do a stock R700 bolt and maybe barrel?

[NorCalFocus]

Do you want it fluted or jeweled? Jeweled might be a better option just to smooth out the bolt.

Also have you added a bolt knob? That helped out my action a ton.

[ar15barrels]

Was out last weekend in the desert trying to stretch out my R700 AAC-SD and test out a new bipod. I don't have much experience with bolt guns but the action feels pretty sticky. I only have about 100 rounds through it so I'm wondering if this is part of the reason? If I really manipulate the action it moves a bit smoother but then I loose my sight on target as I go to chamber the next round.

From videos I've watched it looks like guys can barley touch the bolt lever to chamber the next round. I did give it a good cleaning when purchased to remove all the factory gunk and I keep a light coat of Hoppes Oil on the bolt and chamber.

Is this normal or is there a good way to smooth out the action?

I looked in to some custom fluting which I read can smooth it out by allowing debris and gunk to freely pass through as well as less metal to metal friction. I don't know if this would really help what Im looking for.

Regardless, does anyone know of a custom fluting shop in San Diego or close by that can do a stock R700 bolt and maybe barrel?

Fluting will NOT smooth out the movement.
Some fluting will actually catch on the top cartridge that's in the magazine under the bolt.

Read my "bolt tuning" service description here:

https://www.700barrels.com/services.shtml

It will considerably smooth out how the bolt closes.
I don't recommend bolt tuning until you have upgraded the trigger though as the tuning is done to match the bolt/striker/trigger together.

[CRTguns]

ya... if rifling on the inside is good... imagine how much better if it's on the outside too!

[ar15barrels]

ya... if rifling on the inside is good... imagine how much better if it's on the outside too!

[JMP]

Try lubing the contact parts of the bolt with grease rather than Hoppes oil. The oil is a bit thin and will come off quickly. Then, get a larger bolt knob for more leverage, and that should cycle fine. Otherwise, if you are shooting loads with excessive pressure, it can make the bolt sticky on ejection. It's possible that you got debris inside. After you clean and lubricate the bolt and rifle, when unloaded, you should be able to slide the bolt back and forth pretty easily. If not, there is an issue with your rifle.

[LynnJr]

Put the grease on the backside of the locking lugs and nothing at all on the front side closest to the barrel. There is 0.005 -- 0.010 clearance between the barrel and the front of the locking lugs and grease on the front simply collects debris.
PMA Tool makes a very decent action cleaning kit.

[dskit]

For newer bolt guns, I make a point to take a rag with some oil or solvent and wipe down the bolt after every firing session. You'd be amazed at the amount of gunk that needs to rub off the high spots the bolt before is smooth's out.

[ar15barrels]

There is 0.005 -- 0.010 clearance between the barrel and the front of the locking lugs

Lynn-

I have measured most factory Remingtons to have 0.015" or more bolt nose and lug clearance from the barrel.
On several occasions, I have surface ground the lug as much as 0.007" to correct headspace during a barrel swap from one factory Remington barrel to another Remington factory barrel.
Even after that mush lug shortening, that particular 0.007" correction gun still had over 0.012" clearance.

On guns I build, I usually set this clearance at 0.010".

[LynnJr]

Randall
I was at a match and one of the regulars had just bought his first ever lathe.

He had two custom barrels on hand and chambered them for a tolerance fit and they would not group at all. The barrel maker replaced those barrels free of charge and when he chambered one up it wouldn't shoot in a bucket. He spent days making sure all of his measurements were as close to zero as humanly possible and was convinced the barrel manufacturer was at fault. He mentioned how tight he had everything and I told him that was way too tight and that he should call Greg Walley at Kelbleys.

Long story short I had the smallest group at 600 yards for two days until he bested me with a barrel that was junk on day one of a 3 day match. Lesson learned share the knowledge after completion of the match not during it.

[ar15barrels]

Lesson learned share the knowledge after completion of the match not during it.

haha, indeed...

[AK5.56]

ya... if rifling on the inside is good... imagine how much better if it's on the outside too!

Wait...there is rifling on the inside?


Thanks for the input from everyone else.

[Twystd1]

I have personally seen several of the tricks Randall uses to make a 700 bolt work smoothly.

Unless you have ALL the tools he has. And the knowledge to go with it.
The bolt FIX should be professional done.

PM Randall. He can make a 700 bolt work as smooth as possible in a very short time period. In fact. While you wait.

I did.

-T