I know that on "precision" guns, some go to stainless barrels and target crowns, etc. How do these compare with a standard chrome lined 4150 barrel? How do they compare with a CHF barrel?
(In terms of barrel life, accuracy, etc.) Thanks.
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I know that on "precision" guns, some go to stainless barrels and target crowns, etc. How do these compare with a standard chrome lined 4150 barrel? How do they compare with a CHF barrel?
(In terms of barrel life, accuracy, etc.) Thanks.
First, realize that not all SS barrels are created equal. Second recognize that not all 4150 steel is the same AND that not all companies chrome their 4150 barrels the same way.
So in order to give better answers, you will need to define the particulars better.
C4
OK - looking for properties in general, so lets go with Palmetto State - they carry a middy with a SS barrel, and also carry a CHF barreled carbine (FN double thick chrome lined).
Or, you could compare similar offerings in the BCM line.
Oops - PSA also has a CHF SS - didn't see that till today.
Stainless will have a shorter lifespan than a chrome lined 4150
Stainless is usually used on precision rigs, but I have no experience with those, just an observation. But that should tell ya something.
I think the general consensus is that stainless is more accurate but wears faster. (Assuming both are quality barrels)
To further complicate things, unlined 4150 barrels can be more accurate than stainless, but have a much more limited corosion resistance.
The rifling a barrel uses can effect its life; Lija will tell you 3 grove barrels can get longer life. Longer by how much and to what degree is a moot point. Single cut, broach, polygonal or a hybrid of, number of lands and grooves...etc.
What barrel life means to a high power shooter and a tactical shooter aren't really the same.
The profile of the barrel can effect things too.
Define first what you want to be able to do with the rife and how much you have to spend.
From a realistic standpoint, despite what people claim 55gr Brown Bear and surplus M855 shoots out of their DPMS, your typical high quality CL barrel is capable of 1.25-2.5 MOA given match ammo and a good shooter. Stainless, again match ammo and good shooter, typically .5-1.25 MOA.
The penalty is weight and barrel life. Weight is a double edge sword, as heavier guns tend to have less felt recoil. Barrel life is subjective. At 600 yards, you'll will notice a degrading barrel much faster than at 100 yards.
There are different stainless materials as well, 416, 416R, 410, LW50 etc. Everyone will tell you theirs is the best.
A precision based rig should have the barrel changed out when accuracy drops below your acceptable level.
As they compare to 4150 barrels they are generally more accurate because the chroming process is not as uniform as stainless barrels are made.
However, depending on your needs and how you plan to shoot the gun you can get pretty accurate CHF barrels from either Noveske or Centurion. If that fills your needs then that would be the better choice for longevity.
If you are more concerned with utmost accuracy but are willing to accept the shorter barrel life then stainless is what you want.
Also consider that generally stainless barrels are going to be heavier than CL barrels.
Stainless steel barrels are not more accurate than carbon steel barrels.
The throats of unlined carbon steel barrels wear a little bit with each shot and the groups gradually get larger until accuracy is unacceptable for the mission or the bullets start keyholing.
Barrels made of stainless steel resist wear better than those made of carbon steel. Groups remain consistent throughout the life of the barrel. However, when the accuracy goes in a stainless steel barrel, it's sudden.
The throat of the stainless steel barrel does not wear smoothly. Instead, little plates of material break away leaving a rough surface. Groups will quickly grow in size once this starts happening.
Most competition shooters prefer the consistent accuracy of the stainless barrel over the gradual loss of accuracy of the carbon steel