Barrel material question

[Blackpowder8bore]

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.

Thats good information! Thanks

 

[Whitworth]

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

Same for me. That thing kills in front and cripples behind no doubt.

 

[oldwood]

The 7 ga. smooth bore I have was a Dixie Gun Works Elephant gun barrel back in 1970. It has the much touted Liege Belgium , proof mark on it. I used to follow recommendations to use the massive charge of FG powder in it. Tried FFG in it and the recoil was the same. Recoil was still milder than a modern 10 ga. mag. goose gun off the bench. ......oldwood

 

[LME]

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.

Barrels are all made from mild steel? If they were made of hard steel they would be a bomb waiting to go off. I am repeating what I have read. I also have never had one in my shop that wasn't mild steel.