Bul barrels

[Curt Dawson]

Is their much difference between the standard 24" bull barrel and the fluted 24" bull barrel?

[Saloon slug]

The bull is heavier and a little stronger.

[Moss88hunter]

They are generally more accurate but will retain heat longer than standard barrels with extended firing sessions.

Evan

[LaOtto222]

I have found that fluting is mostly cosmetic. It does shave a little off the weight, at the expense of a SLIGHTLY more flexible barrel. They will dissipate heat a little quicker, but not much. In Handi rifles, there is not a whole lot of difference between a standard weight barrel and a bull barrel. Many people mistake a standard weight barrel for a bull barrel. The Bulls are 2" longer. Benchrest shooters generally do not have fluted barrels, for what that is worth. Buy the one that suits your fancy.

[darat100]

Yup, the fluted looks much cooler!!!!!!!!!

[quickdtoo]

The Bulls are 2" longer.

Not all of em, the 204, 223, 243 Handis and 308 Survivor are all available with 22" bull barrels as well as acc barrels. 

Tim

[mgeorge]

I have found that fluting is mostly cosmetic. It does shave a little off the weight, at the expense of a SLIGHTLY more flexible barrel.

I thought that the fluting saved weight, improved heat dissipation, and added rigidity at the expense of more machining.  The key there being that fluted is more stiff, not more flexible.  Can someone confirm?

[quickdtoo]

Fluted barrels are only stiffer than unfluted barrels if they are larger in diameter, which H&R barrels aren't, they're the same diameter as the unfluted barrels and thus lighter.

Tim

http://www.riflebarrels.com/products/barrel_length_fluting.htm

Fluted Barrels
Fluting barrels for both competitive target and hunting rifles is quite popular. There are two advantages to using a fluted barrel. Improved accuracy is one advantage because of increased barrel stiffness. If we compare a fluted barrel to one that is not fluted, both weighing the same, the fluted barrel is stiffer. This is because the fluted barrel will be of a larger diameter than the unfluted barrel of the same weight and length. Increasing the diameter of a barrel greatly increases its rigidity. Fluting may also allow for a longer barrel, if weight is a consideration. Another advantage to fluting is the increased cooling rate of the barrel because of the greater amount of surface area exposed to the air. Please look at our FAQ section on fluting too.

 

[mgeorge]

Well there ya go, I was only partially right.  Fluted is more rigid, but by weight, not by diameter.

Thanks, Quick!

[LaOtto222]

I am amazed at how many people think that by taking metal away from a barrel, it will make it stiffer.