Action Nitride

[LCazador]

Thanks

Not a rumor, there are microscopic thickness/volume changes due to the process, but the question is how significant that change is versus the design clearances.

It is hard to generalize since there are several grades and types of steel being discussed, as well as several ways to nitride. These are all considered a form of "case hardening" in a loose sense of the words since the depth of the treatment is usually small compared to the part dimensions.

The good news is that most of the dimensional clearances in a typical rifle action design, are tolerant of the process.

But generalizations can be dangerous, so the homework must be done when tampering with designs. YMMV

Thanks! That confirms that it is best to buy an action and bolt nitrided by the manufacturer. In the case of Kelblys Atlas actions it's optional but well worth it. I'm sure they're going to take the dimensions into their concern. I'm in complete agreement with you to not generalize.

 

[CharlieNC]

Hardens the surface and looks like a black bluing. Several friends and i have numerous Stiller stainless actions which possess this treatment for over ten years, does well.

 

[LRPV]

I’ve had two Defiance bolt Melonited/nitrided after the fact and they worked out great. I have quite a few actions/bolt combos that were done by BAT and Defiance. Only place I’ve read about having clearance issues was from a 1911 builder that prides himself on tight tolerances. If I remember right, the first time he tried it the slide/frame wouldn’t go together when he got them back. The black color can/does wear off but the hardness remains.

 

[Rich S]

I’ve had two Defiance bolt Melonited/nitrided after the fact and they worked out great. I have quite a few actions/bolt combos that were done by BAT and Defiance. Only place I’ve read about having clearance issues was from a 1911 builder that prides himself on tight tolerances. If I remember right, the first time he tried it the slide/frame wouldn’t go together when he got them back. The black color can/does wear off but the hardness remains.

I bought a new BAT from Brunos that was not nitrided and had BAT nitride it before I used it. No issues with it.

 

[TIMO]

Following, a lot of great info on the subject.

What is required as prep for an action or bolt prior to having the nitride process done?

Thanks,
Tim

 

[L.Sherm]

Following, a lot of great info on the subject.

What is required as prep for an action or bolt prior to having the nitride process done?

Thanks,
Tim

I just stripped my bolt and kept the parts i didn't want nitrided.

 

[L.Sherm]

If somebody gets a batch order going let me know o have atleast 2 actions and bolts plus some other parts I want nitrided

 

[TIMO]

I just stripped my bolt and kept the parts i didn't want nitrided.

Another question, does the parts need to be all stainless, or have the original finished removed? I have both stainless and carbon steel action and bolts.

Thanks,
Tim

 

[L.Sherm]

Another question, does the parts need to be all stainless, or have the original finished removed? I have both stainless and carbon steel action and bolts.

Thanks,
Tim

Not 100% sure ive only had stainless actions done.
I did have a CM barrel done so they don't have to be S.S

 

[Tucker65]

I've had stuff Nitride treated at H&M Blacknitride and they were great to work with. I sent in a multitude of items including receivers, bolts, recoil lugs, sizing dies, and even boxes of socket-head action screws. I can't remember the exact cost but I think it was a flat rate charge of like $250 for pretty much whatever I could fit into a USPS medium size flat rate box. Turn around time was about a week.

 

[30EX]

I've had stuff Nitride treated at H&M Blacknitride and they were great to work with. I sent in a multitude of items including receivers, bolts, recoil lugs, sizing dies, and even boxes of socket-head action screws. I can't remember the exact cost but I think it was a flat rate charge of like $250 for pretty much whatever I could fit into a USPS medium size flat rate box. Turn around time was about a week.

Did you do any prep work or just send it in as is

 

[Tucker65]

Did you do any prep work or just send it in as is

From what they told me if you leave the finish on something smooth like a turned shaft, the finish will come out somewhat shiny. If you glass bead or sandblast the surface then the finish is more of a matte or dull color finish. The only other prep work was to maybe clean the grease or oil off anything before I sent the parts in.

 

[Tucker65]

One other thing. If you're sending a bolt in with a soldered on bolt handle there is a good possibility that the solder joint will be compromised during the process. I sent a Borden Alpine action in and the bolt handle was intact when I received it back from Nitride but it wasn't too long after that and the handle came off while cycling the action.

 

[Edd]

I was told I could send a Defiance action back to Defiance and they would have it nitrided for me.

They also said they couldn't return it back to me. It would need to be returned thru an FFL.

 

[DLT]

The 2 options I'm looking at are, Defiance and Kauger.
Both have the option of having Nitride done through them. (probably send it out)
All my current actions are SS
So thought I might give it a try if it's a good thing.

Good thing is if they are doing it or the ones sending it out they know what kind of quality it will be and if there are issues they can handle it and you won’t have to

 

[Webster]

Looking to build a 300 Norma Mag. in a chassis, (not for hunting or comp.)
Question, most actions can be done with Nitride.
What are the pro's and con's of having this done if any?

Can someone comment on the heat warping the metal a little.

 

[RegionRat]

Can someone comment on the heat warping the metal a little.

There is some non-zero risk there, but hard to generalize since there are so many different receiver designs, processes, and parts being discussed.