From a metallurgical standpoint I understand the differences between stainless and chrome moly steels. I don’t understand how that translates to a better rifle barrel…
Typically which grade of stainless does PSA use for barrels? I’m assuming a 316 or 416…
What are the advantages and disadvantages for the stainless?
In a nutshell?
Stainless steel gives better accuracy but at the cost of lower overall barrel life. That being said the average shooter doesn’t shoot enough or accurately enough to benefit from stainless steel. Nitride from a production standpoint is also easier to make and generally translates to cheaper barrels/uppers but exceptions do exist.
316ss is way too soft for a barrel and is not hardenable. It could be chromed but it is also known for not being very stiff and it moves around when heated.
400 series is inherently harder than 300 and can be made harder by heat treating.
Nitriding will make the surface of chrome moly or 4140 steel very hard without making it brittle like heating and quenching.
Gotcha, so non-hardenable marine grades are relegated to other parts then…
Surprising. I would have expected a longer life. Thanks…