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Posted: 8/30/2013 4:29:35 PM EDT
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Newbie question
Can anyone tell me the difference of a chrome lined barrel and a barrel made of 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel. Is a lining a barrel better or is it better to have the whole barrel made of chrome? Lining is Better, Worse or Same Thanks Saborbas |
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I'm not a scientist, so I can only answer your question generally. Chrome molly vanadium is basically a strong high carbon steel. It is very durable even where it is finely machined, like for a knife blade. The chrome lining is a very tough steel with much better corrosion resistance but it is generally plated because it is a chemical reaction rather than a forging process. It is not able to be made as a pure barrel blank like stainless or chrome molly. Chrome lined barrels tend to be less precise from an accuracy standpoint because of the design however they can be very accurate. The advantage of chrome lining is rust resistance and durability.
As I understand it, there are companies that have applied other treatments to standard barrels to get the same durability without the potential accuracy loss. |
| The simple answer for most purposes will be chrome lined unless you are looking for match grade accuracy. Then you are probably going to go with stainless. That said, I have many non chrome lined barrels and they are quite reliable and accurate. They are just harder to clean. Some people have experienced casings getting stuck with them as well, but I have not had that problem. It's usually a combination of carbon and heat build up that your average rifle will never see. |
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4150 is not "a barrel made from chrome." Chromium is simply an element in the makeup of the steel. In most, if not all cases, the "chrome lined" barrel is still made from 41xx series steel. The bore is then simply plated with chrome to provide wear resistance and a harder bearing surface that's easier to clean. 41XX series steel is "chrome moly" or "chrome moly vanadium" based on the elemental makeup of that particular steel.
Unlined barrels generally have a higher chance of being more accurate than an equivalent chrome lined barrel. Chrome lined barrels (like stated) are easier to clean and typically last longer. Chrome lining of the bore has little if any effect on reliability of the firearm, chrome lining of the chamber can have a positive effect on reliability. Which is better? Unless your chief, primary concern is accuracy, then chrome lined bores are very attractive in terms of ease of cleaning and bore life. |
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