Gunsmithing Barrel stiffness vs Metal Hardness...

[Davo308]

Forgive me for not being able to word this better, but hopefully my question makes sense...

If you have two rifles, one with a much harder (rockwell scale) metal, and the other with a softer metal-would the harder metal be more stiff and resistant to warping during prolonged firing?

Im researching some vintage milsurps, but the question would also apply to modern designs.

 

[DAVETOOLEY]

Warping is caused by stress in the steel. Stress can be introduced by either the manufacturing process or a hardening process. You don't have a hardening process in barrel steel. Modern barrel steel is stress relieved at the mill. Hardness on the Rc scale is in a narrow window whether CM or SS. Barrel manufacturing processes and price point dictate whether to stress relieve again.

 

[TRDJer]

The stiffness of a section comes from its geometry. The modulus of elasticity, in this case steel is generally considered to be a constant for all grades. If they are equal length and profile then they would be the same stiffness.

 

[natdscott]

The alloy of steel is not going to have a noticeable effect on muzzle deflection, all else being equal.

 

[Ledzep]

The stiffness of a section comes from its geometry. The modulus of elasticity, in this case steel is generally considered to be a constant for all grades. If they are equal length and profile then they would be the same stiffness.

This.

 

[Davo308]

Thank you all for the clarification. Good to know.