Stainless barrel in a carbon steel action...

[Monster4570]

Anybody have any experience with stainless barrels in carbon actions?

Specifically, I'm considering a stainless barrel in a Swedish (Husqvarna) action.
The rifle is from the mid-late 1940s and this will be it's 3rd barrel. Originally an 9.3x62 Mauser, re-barreled in the 1960s as a 30-06. Now time for another barrel.

I'm undecided as to the chambering I'll go with. Perhaps .35 Whelen. We'll see.

I know the thermal expansion rate of stainless is about 80% higher than carbon steel, but doubt this would cause trouble.

The profile is fairly heavy, 7/8" at the crown and I want to stay with a similar cut.


Discuss?

 

[deadshot2]

Your action probably won't even notice the difference.

Main concern I would have on an action this old would be hardness and any signs of stress. Might be a good idea to have it checked either by ultrasonic or magnetic process before proceeding.

Unless you're planning on shooting the new combination to the point you can't touch the barrel I wouldn't see any problem with the Stainless Barrel.

 

[Monster4570]

Your action probably won't even notice the difference.

Main concern I would have on an action this old would be hardness and any signs of stress. Might be a good idea to have it checked either by ultrasonic or magnetic process before proceeding.

Unless you're planning on shooting the new combination to the point you can't touch the barrel I wouldn't see any problem with the Stainless Barrel.

Well, that has been known to happen from time to time... :grin:

I think I'll have the action checked before I proceed.

Perhaps I should look into actual dimensional expansion for a piece of stainless this size from about 70deg to 300deg compared to the same for the piece of carbon steel that is the front ring on the Mauser.
The difference will be the amount that the ring is stretched by the barrel when hot.

I will decide how to proceed from there.

Thanx for input.