Ok, a buddy and me were talking about this, he found someone that does this and he thinks it looks cool,LOL I told him I thought it would weaken the bolt (he has a 338RUM) he didnt agree and said it was plenty strong enough to handle it. Well it may be strong enough but I still think it would be best left alone. What do you think, bad idea or not?

It certainly won't weaken it but, it will void the factory warranty. Aside from "looking cool", which is a personal opinion, it won't do anything to enhance the rifles performance.
Mant of the custom actions, available nowdays, have fluted bolts.

Stength of the bolt should not be an issue. All of the "lock up" is in the front lugs. The rear of the bolt is the caming action that opens and closes the bolt. They do look good and there are several styles out there.

You ever pinch you finger closing a fluted bolt? Just like a metal shear! No fluted bolts for me!

thanks guys, I really thought it would weaken it but now that I think about it, it is the lugs that take the pressure. he is gonna go ahead and get his done. Personally I like the jeweled look on the bolt better. and Ouch, I never thought of what it would do if you got your finger in the way. Im gonna have to pass that one on.
once again, thanks for the input

Fluted the correct way and it will help keep dirt and crud out of the action.

Just another example of a nonsensical solution in search of a nonexistent problem.

I’ve even heard some say that the spiral flutes aid in lubrication of the bolt...whatever the hell that means!

I'm intrigued...

What exactly, is the supposed benefit (if any) in having a fluted bolt?

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Fluted the correct way and it will help keep dirt and crud out of the action.

I'm slow this morning. How would it do this?

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Originally posted by ramrod340:

quote:

Fluted the correct way and it will help keep dirt and crud out of the action.

I'm slow this morning. How would it do this?

No “slower†than I am brother... I couldn’t figure that one out either!

quote:

Originally posted by rugeruser:
I'm intrigued...

What exactly, is the supposed benefit (if any) in having a fluted bolt?

More money in the smiths pocket????????

I can't imagine being that desparate to save weight, but you can save an iota of weight or two without sacrificing strength, by fluting a bolt, just as you can in fluting a barrel. I suppose it IS possible with a particular benchrest assembly to need to shave a portion of an ounce to make weight for, say, Light Varmint (10.5 lbs limit). If EVERYTHING else is exactly how one wanted it and they were determined not to alter any other existing aspect of a rifle, then fluting the bolt MIGHT become a viable option.

But, hey, I KNOW INDIVIDUAL BENCHREST SHOOTERS WHO BUILD THEIR GUNS SO CLOSE TO THE UPPER WEIGHT LIMITS THEY HAVE TO REMOVE THE CAPS FROM THEIR SCOPES TO MAKE WEIGHT....

Seems a bit of a shame to get that intent on taking EVERY supposed advantage in what is supposed to be a fun sport, doesn't it?

Don’t have any fluted bolts, and never will, but since the cartridges press against the bottom of the bolt under pressure from the magazine spring doesn’t it make sense that those flutes would have at least some damaging effect on the brass as the bolt is cycled?

Benchrest actions are often built with less than .002 clearance between bolt body and receiver. A very small piece of crap can render the firearm inoperable. Fluting is one way to deal with this possibility, reducing the diameter in the center section is another. BAT and Nesika are examples of the solutions.
Some Remington shooters think that it looks "cool" and would allow a pine needle or small twig to be sheared off instead of locking up the bolt. I can't see any downside to it but I wouldn't pay for it to be done to a Rem bolt.

just one person's opinion,

Like I said before...a “solution†in search of a “problem.â€

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doesn’t it make sense that those flutes would have at least some damaging effect on the brass as the bolt is cycled?

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Originally posted by Rick 0311:
Don’t have any fluted bolts, and never will, but since the cartridges press against the bottom of the bolt under pressure from the magazine spring doesn’t it make sense that those flutes would have at least some damaging effect on the brass as the bolt is cycled?

Benchrest shooters have to single-load, so they have no real disincentive to flute the bolt. For hunting repeaters, it does seem this might be a problem, but then again, there are lots of accuracy compromises on hunting rifles, so perhaps it has its place on a mountain rifle.

I think the starter of this thread summed up the bolt-fluting topic real well...he said he thinks it “looks cool.â€

Other than that there is absolutely no practical reason to do this, in my opinion. Weight savings???...Give me a break!

It's the same argument for having AA, AAA, or exhibition grade Turkish walnut rather than straight grain walnut stocks, it looks cool.

+1 Fjold I have often thought that it kind of funny when the same people decry the "silly just for looks nonsense i.e. fluted bolt , barrel etc" but go on about their fancy walnut and beautiful checkering. It all boils down to what you like. If you like the looks of a fluted bolt great. If you don't fine. Do what you like. I personally have used a few fluted bolts and other than cost don't see much of a downside. I guess catching a finger in one could hurt pretty good but haven't tried it yet so no comment. However every fluted bolt rifle I have used was smoother than the non fluted (talking spiral flutes here as longitudinally can catch on cartridges and cause a ratchety effect) and in theory is a little more self cleaning than a non fluted bolt.

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Originally posted by pallladium2506:
+1 Fjold I have often thought that it kind of funny when the same people decry the "silly just for looks nonsense i.e. fluted bolt , barrel etc" but go on about their fancy walnut and beautiful checkering. It all boils down to what you like. If you like the looks of a fluted bolt great. If you don't fine. Do what you like. I personally have used a few fluted bolts and other than cost don't see much of a downside. I guess catching a finger in one could hurt pretty good but haven't tried it yet so no comment. However every fluted bolt rifle I have used was smoother than the non fluted (talking spiral flutes here as longitudinally can catch on cartridges and cause a ratchety effect) and in theory is a little more self cleaning than a non fluted bolt.

If aesthetics is the reason for fluting a bolt I have no issue with it. However, when people start justifying it by claiming that it somehow improves the function of the bolt then that’s a different ball game and I will ask for the evidence to back up that silly view point.

Rick: less friction?

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Originally posted by Nortman:
Rick: less friction?

So where does a 700 bolt body rub on anything?

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Originally posted by D Humbarger:
You ever pinch you finger closing a fluted bolt? Just like a metal shear! No fluted bolts for me!

I can't think of a valid reason to have a finger in a position to get it pinched by a bolt flute. If your bolt is so sloppy as to require you to guide it with your finger then I would suggest you get it bushed to fit the raceway a little closer.
I would also suggest that if you want your bolt fluted because you think it looks "cool" that you go ahead and do it and not worry about what other people think about it. I spend my bucks as I see fit and I don't worry about justifying it to anyone!

Fluted bolts are like fine checkering on gun stocks...it may look “cool†but it has absolutely no practical value in the operation of the weapon. If a guy wants either of those things fine and dandy...but don’t try to convince people that there is a reason or need for it other than your own personal preference...which you don’t need to justify to anyone anyway.