Stainless Steel Barrels

VICIOUS said:
HI, I see a lot of precision rifles have stainless steel barrels. WHY? More accurate, look pretty, less rust prone, OR?
Click to expand...

Stainless is nicer to machine, cost is within a few bucks, doesn't REQUIRE blueing or coating and at least in Canada Carpenter will supply stainless in reasonable quantities, for some reason their minimum order for CM barrel steel is much higher.

The jury is out as to increased longevity.
 
I am not a machinist, but by all reports the machinability of resulphurized martensitic steels like 416 stainless is fantastic. Tight tolerances and fine surface finishes are relatively easy to obtain, these are important features in barrel making.
 
I was installing stainless barrels way back in the old days... on hunting rifles... never have to worry about rust pits in the rifling...never had to wait for a batch of bluing ... I believe there is a slight advantage in resisting erosion as well.
 
I have been told by various machinists and gunsmiths that stainless is simply a better grade of steel with fewer or no hard spots internally that machines better and finishes better than CM. The lack of internal variances of hardness allows for a straighter internal bore and smoother rifling.
 
For fun, I used a CM blued barrel for my PRS build in 22 Creedmoor... shoots extremely well. So, I got another barrel (2yrs later so different batch of steel for sure) and that also has shot extremely well.

wrt to accuracy, I don't see any difference CM vs SS so far.... barrels are from the same manf, same internal spec. Overall, 10 barrels tested with similar specs.... mostly SS.

wrt to wear, don't know yet as both CM barrels are still early days

wrt to cleaning, don't see a difference.

wrt to rust, none of my barrels are going to see an overly wet life so rust is not really something I need to worry about... but if going to be used hard and stored wet, go SS and Cerakote.

I do like the change in look of these barrels.

Jerry
 
I have 4 Bob Jury stainless barrels. Bluing requirements are not needed, very weather resistant and rifling last longer.
 
Not sure how the jury is still out on barrel life. According to my borecam it's no contest, I don't have significant erosion on my stainless barrels, the blued advance while the stainless look new. And some barrel makers use 416r, without the Sulphur. I assume it's longer lasting still? Not as machinable. Stronger?
 
porpoise said:
Not sure how the jury is still out on barrel life. According to my borecam it's no contest, I don't have significant erosion on my stainless barrels, the blued advance while the stainless look new. And some barrel makers use 416r, without the Sulphur. I assume it's longer lasting still? Not as machinable. Stronger?
Click to expand...

Stainless barrel steel is all 416R This Remelting precludes any inclusions in the steel.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom