What are the advantages of a removable pilot reamer as opposed to a solid pilot? I am ordering a new reamer for a build and want to know which would be best.

The removable pilot reamer allows the pilot to be changed to match diviations in bore size. Solid pilots do not.

quote:

removable pilot reamer

Depending on what your are chambering. A removable pilot allows you to add on a larger pilot and use the reamer to cut a chamber for a larger caliber. I've used my 280PDK reamer to cut the chamber for my wildcats up to 416PDK. I simply use a throat/neck reamer to cut the neck and throat on the larger bore.

Just wondering...in use should a correctly sized removable pilot turn with the reamer body or should it remain stationary (not rotate) on the lands while reamers pilot "axle" turns?

The main purpose of the floating pilot is to allow the reamer body to remain motionless while the pilot portion can turn with the rifling and thus 'pilot' the body with less chance of having a chip catch in the pilot's flutes and thus score the interior wall. The floating pilot also should be sized to match the particular barrel's bore so that the the reamer is prevented from yawing at the front. The solid pilots must necessarily be made to minimum dimensions so as to be suitable for all barrels; when the bore/pilot dimensions are too far apart this will sometimes allow a slight yawing of the forward portion of the reamer when cutting, thus cutting oversize or oval at the front. Floating pilots prevent a multitude of problems and add much versatility, they are great IMO.
Regards, Joe

Are you trying to build a hunting rifle or a gilt edge bench rest rifle? The difference well may be groups of .312 and .302. If you put on the wrong pilot, that .302 may become .620.


Don't fall into the trap of becoming "Over technical"

I think solid pilot reamers run .005-.009 under bore diameter (pilot). The removeable pilot will be within a couple of ten thousandths.

I don't know how much difference it would make on a sporter rifle.

I wouldn't build a bench or long range rifle with out a removeable pilot reamer. For a sporting rifle it doesn't make that much difference, as Duane said. Alot of it depends on how you hold your reamer. If the reamer is on centerline the pilot doesn't do too much. If not, it doesn't make much difference which you use you will get wobble. I think set-up is more important than the type of pilot....JMHO.....Tom

Thanks for the information. I have ordered a removable pilot reamer. The rifle is not going to be a bench rifle. I'm building a sporter on a winchester model 70 action. While not bench worthy, I am hoping that I can make it long range capable.