Hey all. I'm interested in starting to build firearms as a hobby. My main area of interest is in the firearms of the mid to late 19th century, say from the period of 1870-1900.
Having studied machining, I am familiar with some heat treatment techniques used on steel. One of them being case hardening. I know that a particular type of case hardening was used called color case hardening, but that's another topic.
I am wondering if a case hardened receiver would be safe to use with smokeless rounds. I am asking this because materials cost is a concern, but if it is not safe, then I will spring for an alloy such as 4140.
Having studied machining, I am familiar with some heat treatment techniques used on steel. One of them being case hardening. I know that a particular type of case hardening was used called color case hardening, but that's another topic.
I am wondering if a case hardened receiver would be safe to use with smokeless rounds. I am asking this because materials cost is a concern, but if it is not safe, then I will spring for an alloy such as 4140.