4140 Chrome Moly vs 415 Stainless Steel

jcm412 · February 22, 2005, 09:10 PM

What are the major differences in 4140 Chrome Moly and 415 Stainless Steel when used for barrels and actions? Is it worth spending the extra money on 415 Stainless Steel for a barrel or action?

cntryboy1289 · February 23, 2005, 04:41 AM

The stainless usually isn't bothered by the affects of powder residue as much as a chromemoly barrel is. Meaning they will normally give you a little longer barrel life, but not always. The stainless takes a lot longer time to rust which makes it ideal in a hunting rifle. If this matters to you, I would use it. If you always have time to clean the barrel and action, I wouldn't worry about it as much. I guess it boils down to a matter of taste.

mete · February 23, 2005, 10:20 AM

It's 416 ,the most common of the stainless alloys in guns.The only real advantage is that's it's better when the environment is a problem - rain, salt water ,sweat.It's low maintainance not no maintainance.

February 22, 2005, 09:10 PM	#1
jcm412 Member Join Date: February 11, 2005 Posts: 15	4140 Chrome Moly vs 415 Stainless Steel What are the major differences in 4140 Chrome Moly and 415 Stainless Steel when used for barrels and actions? Is it worth spending the extra money on 415 Stainless Steel for a barrel or action?

February 23, 2005, 04:41 AM	#2
cntryboy1289 Senior Member Join Date: July 19, 2004 Location: Ms Posts: 1,160	depends The stainless usually isn't bothered by the affects of powder residue as much as a chromemoly barrel is. Meaning they will normally give you a little longer barrel life, but not always. The stainless takes a lot longer time to rust which makes it ideal in a hunting rifle. If this matters to you, I would use it. If you always have time to clean the barrel and action, I wouldn't worry about it as much. I guess it boils down to a matter of taste.

February 23, 2005, 10:20 AM	#3
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	It's 416 ,the most common of the stainless alloys in guns.The only real advantage is that's it's better when the environment is a problem - rain, salt water ,sweat.It's low maintainance not no maintainance.