Originally Posted by
Pglasgow
STAINLESS STEEL MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Simple as that. Anyone who says there is no difference in the corrosion rates doesn't understand the corrosion resistance of Stainless Steel. It makes a difference, I know from personal experience it makes a difference. That experience goes beyond muzzleloading firearms but it includes and certainly applies to them as well.
The corrosion resistance of Stainless in one's own personal experience is going to depend on the corrosive materials residing in his bore and the environment his rifle is in. So there will be differences in my experience and others who are using different powders or live in more humid environments. But living in those environments or using different powders isn't going to make your stainless barrels directly equivalent to a blued barrel. That is false and if it were true there wouldn't be a market of stainless steel in many other industries where corrosion resistance is necessary.
Regarding the care of my Stainless barrels, I DO NOT OIL THEM. They need to be cleaned with ordinary hot water and dried thoroughly. Eventually, I figure I will save enough money in oil and alchohol to pay for the difference I paid to get the stainless barrels. (Roughly $20 at the time).
I encourage going stainless if one's budget can afford the difference and he doesn't mind its colder look. It's totally worth the difference IMHO. I fully expect that my great-children could shoot these rifles with same results I am getting 100 years from now. Having a stainless barrel isn't an excuse to avoid cleaning your rifle or to abuse it. But I can guarantee that with same care the stainless barrel will have less corrosion than their blued counterparts.
O.K. I just had to look up what the (Professionals Say) about SS Barrels. Since I Own 2 Bargera Barrels I contacted Bargera Barrels and this is what they have to say.....
Question to Bargera, (Is a SS Barrel better than a Blued Barrel)
Answer....Generally speaking NO, each material has the same potential for accuracy, however in cartridges that are hard on the chamber throat such as the 22-250 and short mags, you may have a longer throat life and therefor accuracy life with a SS Barrel.
Question 2 (Can my SS Barrel Rust)
YES it can and will if neglected. Stainless Steel suitable for rifle barrels and other gun components has a (different chemical makeup) than Stainless Steel used for other purposes, such as used for handling corrosive materials or medical use.
So from this a SS Barrel will rust, they are as good accuracy wise as a blued barrel. The only noticeable difference you may experience is a longer throat life in your barrel.
I guess than this is the way it is, unless anyone can prove otherwise. I do like a SS Barrel better and (thought) it was weather-proof, but it looks like Im wrong????
(BP)