Salt Bath Nitriding

[Neale]

I haven't seen any recent discussions about this treatment so I was wondering if some of the guys who had barrels done have gotten to the point of seeing much of an increase in barrel life?

 

[RonAKA]

The proof is always in the pudding, so it is worth checking all possibilities. My understanding of throat erosion is that it is a high temperature oxidation of the metal (burning), and not an abrasive effect. Nitriding improves hardness, but I'm not so sure about high temperature oxidation.

In a former life before retirement I was involved in a research project to find materials most resistant to high temperature oxidation. The simple results were that the more chrome in the material the more resistant it was. The best material identified for our particular application was 50% chrome and 50% nickel. However, I doubt you will find anyone making barrels in that material... And if they did, you probably would not be inclined to pay for them.

I recall some manufacturers have made barrels with chrome plated bores, and shown improved life for barrel burner cartridges. Makes sense, but not sure that is practical for custom barrel shops.

My thoughts are to go with a stainless barrel, and pick the one that has the most chrome. Make the barrel long so you can rechamber it when the throat goes south.

 

[butchlambert]

Chrome plating a bore is not practical as you can't control the thickness of the plate for competition use. Melonite QPQ works. I have used them off and on for 5-6yrs.
Butch

 

[Neale]

Butch,
Can you give some examples of increased barrel life?
Thanks

 

[butchlambert]

The best thing to do is use the search feature of this forum. My first barrel was a LV 6ppc. I normally change barrels every 1000 rounds. This one had a like new throat and was still shooting very well at 5000 rounds. I loaned it to a shooting school that frequented BR.Com. After a month I called them and they said the barrel disappeared. Who knows. The second barrel was a heavy and went with the rifle when I sold it. I never shot it. My last one that is in my hands is just a mediocre shooter. Melonite does not claim to make them shoot better and this one is good for fireforming and club shoots. I'm getting ready to send an excellent 30BR and a LV 6ppc for next year.
Butch

 

[Neale]

Thanks Butch

 

[Dgd6mm]

Two friends and myself are sending 6 barrels out in a week or so to have done. We have followed this topic pretty close, and did some research. We are certain that we will gain extended barrel life.