Royal stuff

[Brad Y]

So yeh crowns. What style do you prefer on your barrels? I have seen many from the deep bore with 11 degree, to flat, recessed, and 11 degree. Would love some feedback to what seems to work best.

[Bindi2]

The crown is only a means to protect the rifling,barrel exit. What ever you like fancy or plain angle or flat.

[Brad Y]

The crown isnt just a means to protect the rifling- its the most important part of a rifle as far as Im concerned. Without a good crown that was dialled in correctly and cut square you can kiss your match accuracy goodbye. Doesnt matter how good your chambering is, your bedding, what caliber your going to use... an uneven crown just drives you nuts.

[AlanF]

From my experience the main thing is that its turned square and any chamfer is even. I've had a variety of crown types including 11 degree, square and stepped etc. I had quite a few 6.5 barrels crowned by Keith Hills and they were different every time - I used to think he was evolving his design - but I've since learned that he has a sense of humour. Maybe he was telling me that it didn't matter .

Alan

[Brad Y]

What do your barrels have now Alan? All mine are recessed 90 degrees, though the 6mm barrel i bought off Stuart Braund to fireform dasher cases has the deep counter bored with what looks to be like an 11 degree. I know Bill Hallam over here with his dominating 308 FS guns runs deep crowns like these.

[Fergus Bailey]

I know Bill Hallam over here with his dominating 308 FS guns runs deep crowns like these.

I doubt its the crown - Bill can just flat out shoot!

As long as you have a good crown, it doesn't make any difference. I have many different styles on some 25 (mostly benchrest) rifle barrels, and can not remotely pick any difference on the target.

The only advantage with a recessed crown is that the proud muzzle section offers a little protection to the crown. But I believe even this has limited benefit since most damage to the crown comes from a cleaning rod.

For what its worth, I recently took delivery of some barrels chambered by what many regard as the best gunsmith in America, and he uses a 90 degree crown flush with the muzzle on all the barrels he does.

[AlanF]

What do your barrels have now Alan? All mine are recessed 90 degrees, though the 6mm barrel i bought off Stuart Braund to fireform dasher cases has the deep counter bored with what looks to be like an 11 degree. I know Bill Hallam over here with his dominating 308 FS guns runs deep crowns like these.

My most recent barrels were crowned and chambered by Matt Paroz, and have what looks like an 11 deg crown and a noticeable chamfer. He may chime in on this to clarify. It definitely works - my FCWC barrel was my best yet (hasn't fired a shot since ).

Alan

[Bindi2]

BradY
i rest my case the design is immaterial as long as it is even

[Longranger]

90 degree crowns are said to be easier because perfect barrel centering is less critical.
I don't go along with this as the slight chamfer will be eccentric.

11 degree crowns are supposed to be less disruptive to the projectile upon exiting the barrel. I don't think there is much in it to be honest.

[KHGS]

BradY
i rest my case the design is immaterial as long as it is even

Absolutely correct. The chamfer (when used) actually becomes the crown & must be cut correctly of it will all turn to s#^t. The chamfer prolongs the longevity of the crown, but is not needed for accuracy. Style of crown does not matter a bit, in 40 + years I have cut & shot every possible style imaginable, all work as well as each other if done correctly.
Keith H.

[Triplejim]

45 degrees, it blows clean in deep hole crowns

[KHGS]

45 degrees, it blows clean in deep hole crowns

That is what my chamfer is.......when I use it!
Keith H.