Question About Barrel Steel

R127 · Feb 14, 2008

Would a stainless or carbon steel barrel be better for high pressure ammo? From what I remember carbon steel is generally tougher.

Along those lines is a harder or softer barrel better at high pressure? More softly tempered steel is usually tougher but higher hardness steel usually has greater tensile strength.

Bob Hostetter · Feb 14, 2008

Assuming we are talking about pistol barrels there are 3 different materials commonly in use. 4140 carbon steel, 416 stainless and 17-4 stainless. All current manufacturers heat treat their barrels to the low 40's on the Rockwell "C" scale. 416 stainless is by far the most popular material and capable of working well with any high pressure loads found in a pistol cartridge. Assuming pressure's are within reasonable limits, it is heat not pressure that degrades a barrel.

R127 · Feb 14, 2008

Thanks a lot for the feedback. If it is mostly about heat then stainless steel does resist oxidation better even if it holds heat a little longer. I would tend to think that last property would be largely academic for practical handgun use.

I'm looking at getting a 9x23 Winchester barrel made up and have both options available to me which is what inspired this thread.

358minus1 · Feb 15, 2008

I've been a ferrous metallurgist for almost 20 years. I agree with Bob H. All these steels are heat treated to a roughly equivalent hardness/strength. There is no significant difference between them except the stainless steels will resist general corrosion better. The 4140 MAY (depending on how you test it) have better wear resistance but not a whole lot differnent than the 416 or 17-4PH.

Question About Barrel Steel

R127

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Bob Hostetter

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R127

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358minus1

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