Re: Chrome Moly Steel or Stainless steel Barrel
Are you replacing a bolt action or gas rifle? Chrome Molly I believe is fairly common on AR's and the like. As I understand, the following trade off longevity~accuracy:
Chrome Lined: Longest lasting/ process more likely to effect accuracy (less maintenance)
Chrome Molly: Long lasting/ usually more accurate than chrome & less than stainless
Stainless: Shorter lasting (not necessarily)/ generally more accurate than chrome and chrome Molly** (read below, I'm not saying this is always the case)
I believe these are generalizations, and like most don't always apply. Their are variations from manufacturing (effecting accuracy) that might counterdict if comparing between companies. As I understand, chrome (although very thin) is very difficult to apply and it's addition could to varying degrees degrade a barrels potential.
Eg. From a company (Rock River Arms) that buys from the same barrel manufacturer lists essentially the same complete upper and lower receivers with the following barrels and "garunteed accuracy"
Chrome Lined - 1.5-2 moa
Chrome Molly - 1 moa or better
Stainless - 3/4 moa or better
*** But wait, here's the kicker (I don't want to unearth any old debates)
DISCLAIMER: This is my understanding, I am no machinist. Not digging up any old debates here-
Stainless steel is not generally more accurate because of strength. In fact, chrome Molly is a harder, stronger material but it is more difficult to machine. SS barrels are made from a different steel then what is used for actions. SS barrels are softer and easier to machine which makes quick work for perfecting what you're making.
Chrome Molly is a harder material and can be made as or more accurate than SS but is a more refined and difficult process.
I think it's a common misconception that one or the other falls short in such regards, including longevity. I think the machining, other alloys and additional processes influence more than the material itself
Both have their benefits-