When to Nitride a barrel

[maxpower]

I am looking at taking some of my new barrels in to be Nitrided but had a few queries. Most sources say to put 50 shots through the barrel to run the throat in first, but then a lot of barrels in my experience get an increase in velocity at around 150-200 rounds through the barrel. I was thinking of waiting until I have put 200 rounds through or until I see the regular 50-80 fps velocity jump, then take the barrels in to be Nitrided. Has anyone looked into this?

 

[Ing. Michael W. Mayerl]

I am looking at taking some of my new barrels in to be Nitrided but had a few queries. Most sources say to put 50 shots through the barrel to run the throat in first, but then a lot of barrels in my experience get an increase in velocity at around 150-200 rounds through the barrel. I was thinking of waiting until I have put 200 rounds through or until I see the regular 50-80 fps velocity jump, then take the barrels in to be Nitrided. Has anyone looked into this?

My experience: I only nitride the outher surface of the barrels for better corrosion resistance that prevent small cracking on the inner surface while shooting. After some hundred rounds the inner surface of a nitrided barrel looks like a moon surface under the microscope.

For nitriding the barrel surface must be clean without other metals on it so only nitriding before shooting will give the right results.

 

[clowdis]

"After some hundred rounds the inner surface of a nitrided barrel looks like a moon surface under the microscope. "

I thought this was the whole purpose of nitriding, to prevent the barrel throat from burning and extend the life of the barrel? If not, then what good is it?

 

[butchlambert]

I don't know about nitried, but melonite qpq needs to be done to an unshot barrel.
Butch

 

[maxpower]

Butch, I,m not sure exactly what process the local treatment company does, I might have to check.
So, some people are saying run it in first, and you are saying it has to be a fresh barrel?

 

[butchlambert]

I used to think you needed to run it in first. I think you are better off sending a new clean barrel.
Butch

 

[Scott Harris]

I send mine in new and have "heard" of problems from folks sending a more seasoned barrel in. Disadvantages of sending new barrel:
1. can't set it back it there are any problems
2. May have an extended break-in if the barrel is not nicely lapped to start with.