Redneck accelerated life testing.
When excessive forces are placed on the springs (in any direction), the SS deforms first.
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Assuming the same wire diameter (please micrometer each wire), that batch of CS might be stronger than that batch of stainless. However it is an engineering fact that CS alloy is not stronger than 17-7 PH.
http://www.tribology-abc.com/calcula..._materials.pdf
Chrome Silicon ranges from 235 to 300 KSI.
17-7 PH ranges from 235 to 335 KSI.
So the best 17-4 is stronger than the best chrome silicon. Stronger also means more resistant to taking a set.
17-7 is a better spring material for AR15 magazines.
I will mic each one.
However, regardless of where the spring came from, the CS deformed later.
I used CProducts CS springs that I have had for several years, and SS springs that were brand new, and SS springs that were old, and brand new CS from the TD mags, all with essentially the same results.
It is well known CS and Music wire have poor corrosion resistance. It will just rust as expected. I knew this even when I replaced all of my stainless springs with CS. I was told they were so much better, it would be worth the effort to keep them oiled. Now I know CS is not better in any way except fatigue resistance and maybe lower cost (for the maker).
It might cost more because of extra steps such as shot peening though my guess is they are simply charging more for it due to marketing.
Apologies to 87GN, I didn't read the full thread carefully enough and posted willy nilly.