Gunsmithing chrome moly vs. stainless??

[M.D.K.]

Im looking at ordering a barrel from shilen and having it installed on a action i have, and im trying to find out the difference/benefits between going with a chrome moly vs. a stainless barrel?? this is going to be a lightweight hunting rifle if that makes a difference.

thanks

 

[RWSGunsmithing]

Re: chrome moly vs. stainless??

Well if your going to use it in adverse conditions I would go with SS, this way you don't have to worry about rust.

 

[Turk]

Re: chrome moly vs. stainless??

This guy knows a little: http://www.obermeyerbarrels.com/steel.html

 

[adm845]

Re: chrome moly vs. stainless??

great link Turk, i've always wondered that myself. Looks like chrome moly is actually the better choice for hunting, while stainless is better for target

 

[nzgrip]

Re: chrome moly vs. stainless??

If you want light weight you want CM.

 

[eddieharren]

Re: chrome moly vs. stainless??

"If you want light weight, you want CM" Care to expound on that statement?

 

[nzgrip]

Re: chrome moly vs. stainless??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DocEd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">"If you want light weight, you want CM" Care to expound on that statement? </div></div>

2 barrles the same profile, the chrome-moly will be lighter than the stainless

 

[JJones75]

Re: chrome moly vs. stainless??

If you weigh them on a very accurate scale probably certainly not enough to be able to feel.

Kreiger says that if your looking for the lightest possible barrel that CM is the way to go because you can use a smaller profile safely as it is slightly stronger.

Their is alos the line of though that SS has to much thermal expansion/contraction in extreme temp swings and that in sub zero temps the bore can actuialy get tight enough to cause pressure issues.

Personaly I'd go with SS use the lightest profile your barrel makers suggest and trim weight everywhere else

 

[scotharr]

Re: chrome moly vs. stainless??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DocEd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">"If you want light weight, you want CM" Care to expound on that statement? </div></div>

With CM, you can choose lighter barrel contours. Krieger will not do the lightest sporter profiles in stainless for example.

 

[300sniper]

Re: chrome moly vs. stainless??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dazza</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DocEd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">"If you want light weight, you want CM" Care to expound on that statement? </div></div>

2 barrles the same profile, the chrome-moly will be lighter than the stainless </div></div>

i think you have that backwards. according to lilja, 416 is .272 lbs/cu in and 4142 is .283 lbs/cu in. http://www.riflebarrels.com/articles/barrel_making/benchrest_weight_calculation.htm

in something like a mtu contour finished at 26", a 416 barrel would be 5.7408 lbs and a 4142 would be 5.8864 lbs. the difference in weight would be pretty much insignificant in a light weight hunting contour barrel.

 

[cal50]

Re: chrome moly vs. stainless??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DocEd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">"If you want light weight, you want CM" Care to expound on that statement? </div></div>


I think the thinner profile CM barrel is stronger than a thin profiles barrel in SS. If you want a very thin barrel CM is your better choice.

 

[Phil1]

Re: chrome moly vs. stainless??

Stainless is very convenient in a hunting rifle. For practical purposes there is no difference in weight between CM and SS.

I'd go SS.

 

[aqualung]

Re: chrome moly vs. stainless??

Spoke to John Krieger at length on this subject.

For seriously cold Wx, then go with SS. Not hunting in the cold? then go with a skinny profile CM.

As far as accuracy is concerned, most would say go with CM, and I raised this with Mr Krieger. He told me that the most accurate barrel he has ever owned was SS.

You pays your money and takes your choice. I went for SS, as it can be quite cold where I hunt.

Give Krieger a call, or Frank Green at Bartlein. They will steer you right.

Neil