Barrel Steel

[Finnwolf]

LC Rice gave a great seminar on barrel-making at Dixon's on Saturday - even though it ended ay 4:30, LC kept talking and everyone stayed past 5PM because he was so interesting. He talked about the steel he uses, 12L14, and I meant to ask him what other barrel makers use. I looked up Green Mountain and they say they use 1137. Anyone know what grade of steel other makers, Getz, Rayl, Colerain, Goodoien others use?
Is 12L14 softer than other barrel steels? How does it hold up over the long run?
Finn

 

Getz uses 12L14. the "L" stands for "leaded". It is quite soft compared to some steels and is wonderful to work with and engrave IMO. I don't know what the others use

Cody

 

Both Getz and Colerain use 12L14 as I understand it. Green Mountain uses 1137. I prefer 12L14 for the making of "Handgonnes", a type of medieval firearms. Basically a small cannon on a stick. In my opinion, It holds up fairly well.

Just :m2c:

 

[BLAHMAN]

Ed Rayl uses 4150, that much I know. I've rifled a few barrels of that stuff and it is quite tough on a cutter.

I've also rifled barrels of 12L14 and 1137. They cut smoothly and are fun to do, with fewer problems, such as kicking up burrs.

There are two 50 caliber GM blanks at the Log Cabin and I'm almost tempted to pick one up and rifle it.......but do I need another barrel?

 

[Finnwolf]

Thanks, guys. Sounds like most of the major makers use 12L14 and I hear you saying it holds up fairly well and is easy to work. When I heard LC say he used 12L14, I wondered if that was a different grade than everyone else uses and why he chose it.
:thumbsup:
Finnwolf

 

[BLAHMAN]

12L14 is used because it machines very well and finishes nice.

There is controversey centered around the 12L14 barrel steel and I would guess that is due to people overloading those barrels. There have been some that have burst, but then again, anything, if mishandled, can fail.

 

[LSU TIGER]

Rayl uses 4140 or 4150 for liability reasons. There is no idiot vacciene.