Gunsmithing X-Caliber Cryo Treatment?

[Awag1000]

Ive been looking at replacement barrels for my Savage Rifles (for future reference). I was playing around with all the options on X-Caliber's website for savage pre-fits when I saw the option "cryogenics" and I was thinking about what that would do to the metal I had never heard of this process before. What does this process do to both the 4140 CM steel and the 416 Stainless steel barrels? Is it worth it or is it just Snake Oil?

 

[Steel head]

There was a great post by a well known barrel guy on it.
A search might find it.

 

[Vodak]

Cryo treatment of steels changes the crystalline structures of the steel. Most importantly converting austenite to martensite. Martensite is a harder more finely refined structure, and should be harder and longer wearing. I know there are also claims that it stress relieves at the same time, which may help fight wandering zeros.
I've never really looked into its use on barrels, but I use it in knife making with some stainless steels where it has a pretty profound effect. Raising the Rockwell hardness a full point or more from the as quenched hardness is normal.
That being said blade steels are made with much higher carbon contents and are probably more effected than barrel steel would be. The stress relief may be really beneficial, but I don't know if the lower carbon steel would show enough of an increase in barrel life to offset the cost of the treatment itself. Hopefully someone on here will have some first hand info on its effects.

 

[Awag1000]

Cryo treatment of steels changes the crystalline structures of the steel. Most importantly converting austenite to martensite. Martensite is a harder more finely refined structure, and should be harder and longer wearing. I know there are also claims that it stress relieves at the same time, which may help fight wandering zeros.
I've never really looked into its use on barrels, but I use it in knife making with some stainless steels where it has a pretty profound effect. Raising the Rockwell hardness a full point or more from the as quenched hardness is normal.
That being said blade steels are made with much higher carbon contents and are probably more effected than barrel steel would be. The stress relief may be really beneficial, but I don't know if the lower carbon steel would show enough of an increase in barrel life to offset the cost of the treatment itself. Hopefully someone on here will have some first hand info on its effects.

Very interesting. I may have to get that treatment done to my next barrel.

 

[DRACO]

Very interesting. I may have to get that treatment done to my next barrel.

I have one of their Savage pre-fit in 6.5x47 that had the Cryogenic process.
Virtually no break in and is without a doubt the easiest firearm I own to clean.
Hardly a trace of copper during load development.
IMHO well worth the extra.

 

[1moaoff]

This has been around for years. Nothing new. It's an option that seems to come and go with popularity.
I have not ever seen enough evidence over the years to justify it.

It seems that alot of the people getting it are buying there 1st or 2nd barrel ever. So they dont know in some cases what to expect from a better tube either way.

I used to spend alot if time with BR guys. If anyone would justify it would be them, and last I heard it wasnt really a thing for that crowd. Or F class either.

Ymmv