Barrel Steel

[260 Rem]

A buddy whom I consider well schooled in rifle builds recently told me he chose a barrel maker using 416-R Stainless over another supplier using standandard 416 SS ... The “R” grade is of interest to me if it can be used for a light contour rig to be used in cold temperatures. Also, finishing would be cheaper than that used for CM. Any experience/comments

[gitrdun]

The 416-R grade is a proprietary material of Crucible. During my research of 416-R vs 416 vs 4150CM, here's some discussions that you may find of interest. As of yet, even acquiring plain old 416 - 3/4" round bar is a bit of a task. 416-R may even be more of a task as every single supplier that I've contacted hasn't heard of it. I certainly am not a barrel maker. My research is based upon the fact that I wish to learn the best turning speed, feed rate and type of cutting tools. I think that because 416-R has added molybdenum as compared to 416, machineability may not equal that of plain old 416.

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread....vs-416-vs-416R

[Pathfinder76]

There are barrel and receiver makers out there using 416 R. It isn't a unicorn.

Re cold temperatures. There are a whole bunch of featherweight stainless barrels being shot in cold weather. A tidal wave in a tin cup I think.

[gitrdun]

A tidal wave in a tin cup. You're so awesome.

[buckbrushoutdoors]

It’s used a lot in machine shops that build pump and motor shafts. It’s machinability is very good. I have a bunch at work and gave some to a friend to build me some gun parts for a rifle

[buckbrushoutdoors]

[Pathfinder76]

Originally Posted by gitrdun

A tidal wave in a tin cup. You're so awesome.

I don’t need to be patronized. What else is it? Do you have an example of barrels coming apart in the cold?

[Flatlandliver]

Originally Posted by 260 Rem

A buddy whom I consider well schooled in rifle builds recently told me he chose a barrel maker using 416-R Stainless over another supplier using standandard 416 SS ... The “R” grade is of interest to me if it can be used for a light contour rig to be used in cold temperatures. Also, finishing would be cheaper than that used for CM. Any experience/comments

Adding moly is generally done just to increase corrosion resistance...I think.

“416R Gun Barrel Steel


416R gun barrel steel is a low sulfur pre-hardened chromium grade stainless steel that is primarily used for precision rifle barrels. This grade has various hardness ranges that can be tailor-made per your requirements. Barrel makers and rifle manufacturers use this grade for its consistency and high quality, as Next Generation Metals produces these bars as heat treated and stress relieved.

This material has good machinability for gun drilling and reaming, and has great polishability for uniform lapping, which is necessary for bore accuracy. Its homogeneous microstructure responds to heat treat which give this material a uniform hardness along the length of the bar. This is necessary for accurate button rifling to precise groove dimensions. Its corrosion resistance to prevent rusting and minimize fouling. Next Generation Metals provides its 416R with a durable finish which does not pit when properly maintained. This material is 100% ultrasonic tested per ASTM E2375and precision straightened.

Specifications:

ASTM A370, ASTM A484, ASTM A582 (not S), ASTM E381

AMS 2315

Hardness: Standard Hardness is 190-210 BHN but can be made to any of the following: HRC 24-28; HRC 28-32; HRC 32-36

Tensile Strength: 90-110 KSI

Applications:

Rifle barrels, Hunting rifles, Tactical Rifles, Competition Rifles, Precision Rifle Barrels, Gun Barrels, Pistol Rifles.”

Does anyone use 17-4 SS for barrels as the guy in the thread suggests.

[double gun]

Originally Posted by buckbrushoutdoors

It’s used a lot in machine shops that build pump and motor shafts. It’s machinability is very good. I have a bunch at work and gave some to a friend to build me some gun parts for a rifle

Yes 416PSQ is more common up here, and I've bought 416HTSR (at least that's what it was sold as) for smaller parts aswell. For me they all machined virtually the same as 416r.

To the op, I would doubt any of the barrel makers are using lower grade 416 with the liability issues associated with barrels - but it certainly doesn't hurt to ask. As for light contour safety, Chuck is right - Remington for instance has been making pencil weight stainless barrels for the mountain rifle, m7, and the first gen ti for many years. They share a muzzle diameter of 0.560" - I highly doubt they would still be offering these noodles if there was a safety issue.

[REMINGTON JIM]

Default Barrel Steel
A buddy whom I consider well schooled in rifle builds recently told me he chose a barrel maker using 416-R Stainless over another supplier using standandard 416 SS ... The “R” grade is of interest to me if it can be used for a light contour rig to be used in cold temperatures. Also, finishing would be cheaper than that used for CM. Any experience/comments


SO ! Barrel Guru's? what TEMP is COLD ?? temp for LW SS Barrels to ??
Explode ?? RJ

[REMINGTON JIM]

SO ! Barrel Guru's? what TEMP is COLD ?? temp for LW SS Barrels to ??
Explode ?? RJ

[Dean2]

Originally Posted by REMINGTON JIM

SO ! Barrel Guru's? what TEMP is COLD ?? temp for LW SS Barrels to ??
Explode ?? RJ

I have shot stainless in -50, no barrel explosion. I have NEVER heard of or personally seen a stainless barrel have any issue in the cold. There are a ton of stainless guns used in Alaska, and the Canadian high arctic. If one was going to blow, that would be where it happens and no one I know has ever seen it.