Barrel material question

[Blackpowder8bore]

i have an 8 bore built with a barrel from the Gun Works and i just wanted to ask yall what most muzzleloader barrels are made of. Its not modern gun steel is it? But how strong is it?

Thank you for your time.

 

[Phil Coffins]

No one makes barrels that aren’t up to the task. Shoot reasonable loads in a well maintained barrel and you will be safe. Get careless, and get hurt.

 

[BS]

What loads did Gun Works suggest?

 

[Blackpowder8bore]

What loads did Gun Works suggest?

They suggest an 835 grain round ball and 375 grs bp or 777.

 

[Blackpowder8bore]

No one makes barrels that aren’t up to the task. Shoot reasonable loads in a well maintained barrel and you will be safe. Get careless, and get hurt.

Youre right. I learned it was 12L14 steel and its definitely up to the task

 

[BS]

They suggest an 835 grain round ball and 375 grs bp or 777.

I use 175FF in my 7ga. that move a 1000grain ball at 1100 fps.
375 grains, holey crap!
What is the twist?

 

[Phil Coffins]

I’ve shot an 8 bore rifle of a buddys with 265 grains of 1FG Swiss and a slug that weights 1200 grains. Recoil was stout enough that my thumb hit my nose hard. The second shot was no more controlled. “Unfortunately“ he ran out of slugs so I didn’t get to shoot any more!

 

[Dale Lilly]

I'm thinking squirrels with a howitzer at 8 yards.

 

[Norman Brooks]

How about lighting matches down by the cement wall, (BOOOOOMMMM). What wall?

 

[Dave James]

The 8 bore I had,farovite load wax 250,2f 900 gain round ball,my rifles weigh was 13-14 lbs and it would rock you if you got sloppy about hold,it had the older 1x144 twist

 

[Rawhide67]

They suggest an 835 grain round ball and 375 grs bp or 777.

Holy #¥©* batman, I don't want to be on the receiving end of that thing.

 

[Norman Brooks]

Them are impressive guns and loads. Just not for me. To much arthritis in my neck.

 

[LRB]

Youre right. I learned it was 12L14 steel and its definitely up to the task

I have never been too concerned over 12L14 barrels, but a metallurgist will tell you it is not a safe steel for barrels. AND, occasionally when bluing or browning, you may find spot that will not take. That spot is where the steel may be lead rich.

 

[user 34300]

I suggest 1F BP. The slower acceleration lessens recoil velocity.

 

[JCKelly]

Most steels have enough tensile strength. What they may not have is the ability to bulge in a gun barrel, rather than shatter, when something goes wrong. Adding sulfur, phosphorus (especially phos) and lead does make steel easier to machine, but it lowers toughness.

 

[11Bravo]

I realize today many alloys are possible, and they all have there pros & cons. But what about my percussion Westley Richards 14ga twist barrels? Did they relie on the fact that BP had lower and longer pressure spike and any iron would work?

 

[hanshi]

Any gun that kills at both ends just ain't my cup of tea.

 

[Rudyard]

I realize today many alloys are possible, and they all have there pros & cons. But what about my percussion Westley Richards 14ga twist barrels? Did they relie on the fact that BP had lower and longer pressure spike and any iron would work?

If your WR is twist or Damascus obviously it will stand fine its proofed but if the shooter pushes his luck his luck then all bets are off . Is my view. Rudyard

 

[Blackpowder8bore]

I suggest 1F BP. The slower acceleration lessens recoil velocity.

I use 175FF in my 7ga. that move a 1000grain ball at 1100 fps.
375 grains, holey crap!
What is the twist?

The twist is 1 in 66.thanks!

 

[Blackpowder8bore]

Them are impressive guns and loads. Just not for me. To much arthritis in my neck.

Im gettin there