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Posted: 5/4/2005 4:19:50 AM EDT
| Which is better 416 Stainless steel or 4150 Chrome moly-vandanium steel. I'm assuming the latter, if so. Why? I'm basically still a newbie to all this high tech stuff, i usually just stuck with 30-06 winchesters.. |
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416 is said to be easier to clean and resists rust[/b[, not prevent it. 4150 Chome Moly is actually harder than 416 SS. Most barrels are made from 4140 unless they specifically spell out the 4150 CM. The 4150 cost more than 4140 and steel ahs been at a premium here lately. LOK |
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Better depends on what aspect you are evaluating. One of the main benefits of 416 over either CM alloy is that 416 machines easier so it's easier to produce a good barrel, both from buttoning or cutting the rifling perspective and also from a cutting the chamber perspective. I've read various reports about useful life, with each material claiming superiority, so from my perspective it's a toss up. 4150 takes heat better, so if you are running full auto, it warrants consideration over either 416 SS or 4140. Chromelined CM cleans easier and increases useful life at the expense of accuracy. I suspect when you get to plain Jane (non-chromelined) CM vs SS, fouling propensity and cleanup ease is a function more of the interior finish of the barrel than which material it's made from. |
No. Accuracy: 416 tends to be more accurate on average. Cleaning Ease: Chromelined CM is the easiest to clean, but it is had in CM alloys only. If comparing non-chromelined CM vs SS, it's a toss up. Durability: 4150 is best for rapid fire, if FA is an issue. If it's just semi-auto rapid fire, I'm not if it's necessary, I'll defer to others to weigh in on that. |
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