This product looked interesting, and I wanted to see how well it would work on my Browning A-Bolt rifle (300 Winchester Magnum). The instructions for Final Finish recommend using different procedures for factory production barrels, according to their level of accuracy. I have used other firelapping products before with good results, but I thought this product might be even better. I've found that when shooters like David Tubb (10 time Highpower record holder) suggests a shooting related product .... you should try it. Final Finish first got my attention because unlike other lapping kits, their abrasive lapping compound covers the entire surface of the bullet. This includes the ogive which is the first part of the bullet to contact the rifling.
After completing the fire lapping procedure, I'm sure that the entrance
of the rifling is now the exact same shape as my bullets. However, I found that the rifling is now about .016" farther away. This is
logical, but it was a bit more than I expected. I chronographed my favorite handload both before and after the fire lapping, and found that the velocity
was increased by 40 fps, but the accuracy was noticably reduced with this particular load. I was prepared for this to happen, because the barrel went through
some major changes. My barrel now is 10 times easier to clean, but I discovered that I now have to work up a "new" favorite handload. The
factory tool marks in the bore have been polished out, and there is about 98% less copper fowling (even after firing 20 rounds at 3470 fps).
This rifle used to fowl very badly after just 3 shots. I am confident that the accuracy will improve as soon as I can shoot
several groups with different bullets. This firelapping process only removes about .0003" form your bore diameter (that's
10 times less than the thickness of a human hair).
I will not quit on this rifle until I find a new handload that will out perform my original favorite handload. Be sure to read the directions
carefully when firelapping a barrel, and don't expect miracles unless you are willing to take the time to work up a new favorite
handload. You should expect your rifle to perform as if you had just replaced the barrel. The next time I return to
the range with this rifle, I will report the results.
I went to the range to test several different bullets and determine which one my rifle liked best. As luck would have it, the wind was gusting as if a hurricane was near-by. Except for a few pistol shooters, I was the only shooter at the range. The wind was so bad that the birds were flying sideways! Never the less, I was able to determine that the 180 grain Hornady SST bullet looked promising. This was great news because this rifle had previously never performed well with bullets over 150 Grains.
After another trip to the range, that appears to have changed. I now have two new "favorite" loads that consistently deliver 3/4 MOA accuracy (not bad for a factory rifle). This Final Finish is one great product. Very impressive!
