Size of Graphite to Fill Bore Pores

[deerndingo]

Hi Guys,
I just bought a Tikka T3 Lite SS and intend using Greg Tanell's method of breaking in the barrel with very fine graphite powder. It fills the pores instead of carbon.

I don't think it would be foolish to assume that the pores of different metals varies with the type of metal used for the barrel,ie. Stainless, chrome-moly, plain steel). Anyone have any idea of how small the graphite has to be then.

I could use other lubricant graphites,Lockeze) but I fear they are the less expensive, large grain size and may not work as well as fine grain stuff in this application.

There is also a moly paste that the local gun shop did show me. Would that do the same.

And before you ask, there are postal problems getting it to me in Australia form the US. If anyone wants to swim it over here let me know and wear your floaties.

Thanks in advance for the great advice

 

[Preacher]

A really good barrel shouldn't have pores in it big enough to need filling according to my Hawkeye bore scope..

 

[deerndingo]

Steel has sub-micron size pores that are not visable tothe naked eye. A bore scope won't find 'em. Thgose pores fill with carbon,an abrasive) and copper. I'd rather fill 'em with graphite. Its not abrasive and it doesn't attract copper.

Thanks

 

[butchlambert]

Preacher, If he knows the answer, why is he asking?
Butch

 

[7stwhunter]

So if you take all the time to run this graphite down the barrel wouldnt cleaning it remove all of that graphite anyways??

 

[Marksman]

I don't see where you are gaining anything.

If you are filling "sub-micron" sized pores, then they aren't large enough to make a difference in a barrels perforance anyways. Not to mention, if you try "filling" these pores with graphite,which is a soft carbon based material), you'll just end up wiping it all out the first time you put a solvant down the bore.


If you really believe your bore is rough and that it needs smoothing, then try lapping it first, then normal barrel break in, and then see how much copper build up your getting.

 

[lazylabs]

In the first post you list a "plain steel" barrel and then you object to other advise.... interesting. How about you list all the makers that use "plain steel" vice chrome-moly or stainless and then we will respond.

 

[deerndingo]

Hi All,
I had a gunsmith who is a qualified metalurgist recommend this process. Only problem is he is in USA and I'm in Australia. Postage may be an issue so I thought I'd ask here what size graphite would be suitable for this application.

If some don't consider this to be a valid process then OK. I do and so do a few others. That's fine.

It would appear that no one around here has an answer to my question. That's fine too.

Thanks guy

 

[Cheechako]

Isn't graphite a form of carbon?

Ray

 

[Preacher]

Seeing you don't seem to want to listen to us, how about calling the gunsmith that recommended it to you. Maybe he will tell you to use a "sub-micron size"

 

[deerndingo]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for your opinions. They are valued, but I was after an opinion on size. I have rung the gunsmith and he advises that it is much less than 50micron in size. All I can get around here is 50micron powder. As a metalurgist, he explained that at a mirocopic level there are significant fissures in steel and its better to fill them with graphite than carbon. He treats all his barrels that way.

Given I can't get any here I have ordered some from him and he's been nice enough to post it for me. Its a lot of mucking around for a small order and I appreciate his service.

The gunsmith is Gegg Tannel of GRE'-TAN RIFLES in Kersey, CO at http://www.gretanrifles.com/index.asp. I have had good references about his unique knowledge and excellent work from an Olympic benchrest coach and numerous PD, wildcat sub-calibre shooters.

There are many different ways to skin a cat. This is just one way of the many thats approach is based on scientific fact and in this case I have received positive reports from others who use it. There are other ways that work and have worked very well for many years. Some suite different shooting disciplines more than others. I feel this one suites me.

Again, thanks for your experienced advice.

 

[butchlambert]

deerndingo,
Where in OZ do you live?
Butch

 

[rain164845]

I think what everyone is saying is that they don't know. It sounds like it could have some benefits however microscopic they may be.
Joe

 

[CPorter]

As you said the pores are submicron. Lower Friction in Canada produces tungsten disulfide in 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0 & higher micron sizes. Boron Nitride is produced in .07,.5,1.5 and 5 micron sizes. Which is best and are they better than graphite? I don't use the smaller sizes because they cost a lot more.

I've used Lock-ease to pre-treat barrels. It works well and the first cold bore shot is much closer to the center of the next 10 shots. Moly works but has combustion products than can damage the barrel if exposed to moisture. Tungsten disulfide coats bullets better and in my experience works better. Boron Nitride is becoming popular. I can say it does great less of a mess than WS2, MS2, or graphite. It seems to lubricate ok and has a higher temp rating than MS2 or WS2. My barrel has about 2200 rounds through it and has no signs of heat checking. The lead still appears well defined but has moved about

 

[deerndingo]

Hi CPorter,
That's interesting about the boron and tungsten sizes. The guys on the forum at Saubier.com talk of those products and some guys think they are great. I do note that Otis have a ceramic fine grain barrel treatment system too.

I just worked on the basis that the gunsmith in question knows his stuff and knows how and why his system works. I went for that system. There are heaps of others, but what is typicaly missing is how and why they work. In the absence of that info at my desk I can't make a decision.

Nice to talk to you.

 

[Cheechako]

. . .I just worked on the basis that the gunsmith in question knows his stuff and knows how and why his system works. . .

Gregg is a nice guy, a good shooter, and a great gunsmith. If you trust him and think his advice is sound, then by all means do what he says.

But, there are other good gunsmiths who will tell you just the opposite and barrel makers who will cross you off their customer list if you insist on putting anything in their barrels.

It's your $$$ and your decision.

Ray