I have never seen a traditional muzzleloader’s bore worn out from launching a projectile out the barrel. Have seen ramrod and range rod wear. Have seen pits from not cleaning. But no measurable wear from the bullet.
Agreed.
LD
I have never seen a traditional muzzleloader’s bore worn out from launching a projectile out the barrel. Have seen ramrod and range rod wear. Have seen pits from not cleaning. But no measurable wear from the bullet.
"I haven't wasted my time or money on his later writing... perhaps he took time to read Ned Roberts or Walter Cline and may have something of value to say."
Sage advice, I would add Eric Bye's book on Flintlocks as worth while.
That's what the L stands for in 12L14. The only reason to use that material is ease of machining, longer tool life and better finish. 4140 is a lot stronger barrel material, but it is harder on the tooling and requires more work to get a better finish.Who knew that so many 12L14 long rifle barrels are alloyed with lead to increase its machinablity?
One of trad muzzleloadings dirty little secrets. Most don't know anything about this. 12l14 barrels are generally safe but there have been reported failure incidents. Don't go overboard with projectile weight and powder charge and you'll be fine. This issue has gone round and round for years on another popular longrifle forum. Some of those members refuse to shoot barrels made from 12l14.I'd like to think that Sam Fadala was being honest about his experience and test results that he published, but anything is possible.
As mentioned in the opening post, not every experience or opinion is expected to be the same just like every barrel, powder and projectile is different.
I've been reading a 2017 thread with posts by some long rifle builders on the American Longrifles Forum titled "So... barrel steel discussion here?"
The discussion centers around the fact that many of the small premier US long rifle barrel makers are using 12L14 steel to make their barrels with.
Yet 12L14 steel is not recognized by metallurgists or recommended by the steel industry itself as a bona fide gun barrel steel. [See the letter below]
There are much better gun barrel steels, but 12L14 is used for its machinabilty and because it's less expensive than recognized gun barrel steel.
And just like the fact that it officially has a lower threshold of strength, it can also have less wear and abrasion resistance than other recognized modern gun barrel steels.
I don't really know what type of steel that Sam Fadala's gun barrels were made from.
And It's possible that the barrel steel used in some mass production guns is actually better and more durable than used in some expensive custom guns.
Another interesting fact that I've learned is that when steel is alloyed there can be inclusions or sections of unevenly distributed alloyed material which
in the case of 12L14 it is alloyed with lead, among other elements.
Who knew that so many 12L14 long rifle barrels are alloyed with lead to increase its machinablity?
I certainly didn't know.
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Posted by Dphariss Post 8465 --->>> http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=43037.0
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