Author Topic: Stainless? (Read 800 times)

Powder keg · « **on:** November 05, 2005, 12:47:16 PM »

I have a guy who wants a stainless barrel. What kind is machinable? I think I need 303. Thanks for any help. Later,

kappullen · « **Reply #1 on:** November 05, 2005, 01:32:25 PM »

You're right,

303 machines like butter.
I got some 303 bar from ALRO metals.
Found them, where else? on ebay.

kap

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #2 on:** November 05, 2005, 01:32:56 PM »

303 turns very nicely.
304 is harder
17-4 is hard, but I really like it.

That's the short answer from my limited experience.

Are there not charts of 'machinability' that include stainless flavors?

Compare all the standard features we've discussed here of late for comparability regular steels when it comes to design. Stainless steels are so for one reason or another - usually corrosion or abrasion resistance, not for strength or ductility. So check all the features.

gary michie · « **Reply #3 on:** November 05, 2005, 01:35:34 PM »

All of your common stainless steels like 302 304 305 308 309 309s and 310 have a yield strenght of 40,000 to 50,000 psi. there hardness is between bhn 150 to 160 so they work about the same. Most stainless cut very smooth very clean with a coolent flood and useing a sharp!!!! carbide cutter with a radiused point.

GGaskill · « **Reply #4 on:** November 05, 2005, 02:56:50 PM »

416 is the standard for stainless firearms. It is heat treatable to higher hardness. It is machinable but not as easy as 303.

Powder keg · « **Reply #5 on:** November 05, 2005, 03:34:36 PM »

Would 303 be OK for a golf ball mortar? 4" OD X 1.75" ID with a 1" X 1" Powder chamber. Pretty heavy walls.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #6 on:** November 06, 2005, 01:28:52 AM »

Two answers to your direct question of 303 for a 'GOLF-BALL' mortar.

1) For GOLF BALLS I (note my use of 'I' not a recommendation) would use 303 because of availability, ease of machining and corrosion resistance.

2) Note that I did not say STRENGTH. In the links below STRENGTH of 303 is curiously NOT given!

The next to the last link is mentions Carpenter technology - they make the steel for M16 bolts - a genuinely tough application.

The last link is from a fellow who makes large-caliber air guns - has a good discussion of application of steels.

303
http://www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=964

http://www.suppliersonline.com/propertypages/303.asp

http://www.cartech.com/news/wr_valveselectalloyarticle.html

http://www.edstrom.com/Resources.cfm?doc_id=132

416
http://www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=971

http://www.bti-tool.com/staltab1.htm

http://www.cartech.com/news/wr_strengthphstainless.html

http://www.quackenbushairguns.com/steel_for_airguns.htm