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Gunsmithing Stainless vs Carbon steel actions (.308)

Dsparil

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 11, 2006
794
16
42
Albrightsville, PA
In longevity would the stainless wear out quicker? I'm noticing a LOT of bare remington stainless actions for sale recently
 
I doubt you would Wear out either one unless you shoot a lot of competitions for many years but some people prefer Chromemoly because it is less likely to gall the locking lugs like stainless will if you don’t keep It lubed with Grease
 
As long as you properly maintain them, no difference. As Yoteslayer said, the stainless is susceptible to galling, especially with a really tight raceway/bolt body fit. But you will deal with rust on a poorly maintained carbon action. If your going to Cerakote it, go with a Carbon because the parkerizing will take the Cerakote better. If your going to leave it bare, go stainless. Other than that, either one when properly maintained will last a long time.