Ferritic Nitrocarburization of Match Barrels

[Catfur]

I am plotting and thinking of future replacement barrels for an F-Class rifle I recently acquired second hand (I'm having it rechambered to 6XC).

I am strongly considering purchasing several barrels upfront (what with a 6-7 month lead time from places like Krieger), having them chambered, breaking them in, and then having them nitrocarburized (Melonited).

Everything I read on the boards (here and LRH) is pretty positive about the process, however I have a close friend (who got me into F-Class in the first place) who is very cautious of the process, and says that it can ruin barrels (at least as far as match grade accuracy goes, not necessarily RUIN ruin).

I've searched and not found any real negative posts on the subject. Is there anyone out there with some bad news to say about the process?

 

[butchlambert]

I have had several treated bi Mmi Trutec. I have had absolutely no problems. Make sure your barrels are new and very clean before treatment and clean them when you get them back from treatment.

 

[jonbearman]

Butch ,do you send them in brand new or break them in first?

 

[butchlambert]

I don't break them in anymore. I'll send you a PM.

 

[Catfur]

I'm interested too in knowing why you don't break them in first.

 

[butchlambert]

This would be a good thread as most don't even know what needs to be prepped or why you think it needs broken in.

 

[Catfur]

As the thread starter, this place seems just fine

I know that (obviously) the barrel needs to be finished and chambered, and very clean (though the processor will need to vapor degrease the part too). I've heard of people breaking them in and not breaking them in.

The general idea that I've heard is that if you don't get the barrel broken in before the process, you'll never get it broken in.

 

[butchlambert]

Catfur, My point is that most people do not know what needs to be broken in. Regardless of your method, what are you doing? Do you shoot bullets down the bore until it quits coppering or what is necessary.

 

[Bob3700]

Well, our shooting group sent 4 bbls in for nitriding. All bbls are used in LR prone competitions (600-1000 yds). They all shoott very well and we have been tracking the wear ( via Hawkeye) on the 6.5x284 and 308 Palma rifle. The 6.5 has700 rds down the tube n no signs of cracking at this time. The 308 is at 2800 rds and no signs of cracking.
The next bbls we chamber up will again be treated.
We don't shoot the bbls to break them in we lap the throats to remove the machine marks left by the reamer in the lead/throat area. That is the reason that shooters do a one shot n clean, remove the tool marks with copper n heat!

The above has worked for us.

Bob

 

[Bamban]

What else do you folks do to the barrel after treatment before shooting, besides cleaning? And by cleaning, is it the normal cleaning procedure, whatever that is people normally do, which everyone has their own ritual?

 

[Kings X]

Caefur,
Let me be the bad guy here.
I have 4 barrels myself. First was a 308 with 400 rounds down the tube. Still a good sniper match barrel.
Next I did a 6-284 and a 223 that had zero bullets thru them. Both now have over 1000 down them and still wish they would settle down and break in.
The last was a 284 that was broken in and load developed. It was shooting in the 2s most of the time. Now it is in the high 4s.
The last three are F-open of F/TR barrels. They are good shooters and show no wear. They just are not good enough to shoot in major matchs. My naked barrels shoot twice as small.
As far as cleaning after MMI nitriding - I had to use steel wool and valve lapping compound on the first one. The first patch on all of them still comes out a dirty rusty black.
Some folks have had really good luck with the barrels after processing. As far a wear goes - the 6-284 pushes a 115 at 3400 fps. The throat still is sharp as the day I cut it.
Take your chances.