Nitride a barrel?

[Justice1327]

Has anyone nitrated their rifle barrel…inside and out?
What improvements, if any, were there?
Which nitride process was used?

 

[Weaver93]

Never did a barrel, but H&M would be the guys I would ask. They have done a handful of actions for me and did a great job.

Old article, but it explains some of the process.

An Official Journal Of The NRA | The Pros and Cons of Nitride Barrel Finishes

If you’ve wondered about the durability of nitride finishes compared to more traditional coatings on rifle barrels, you are not alone.

www.shootingillustrated.com

 

[3chester]

That might be more of a treatment applicable to a machine gun barrel. A way to extend barrel life for a full auto rigs

 

[Justice1327]

Never did a barrel, but H&M would be the guys I would ask. They have done a handful of actions for me and did a great job.

Old article, but it explains some of the process.

An Official Journal Of The NRA | The Pros and Cons of Nitride Barrel Finishes

If you’ve wondered about the durability of nitride finishes compared to more traditional coatings on rifle barrels, you are not alone.

www.shootingillustrated.com

Yes, H and M have done about 15 actions for me. I will have to call them and find out which process they use.

 

[QuietTexan]

Yes, I have four nitrided barrels made by Faxon, who does salt bath nitriding on their 8.6 BLK barrels. Two in AR-10s and two bolt actions. They've shot well so far, but these are short range rifles and not for long range/precision work.

I want to get the process done to a 6.5 Creedmoor barrel and intentionally leave it in a bad storage location to see if it rusts inside or not/ still shoots decently or not.

 

[Justice1327]

I will give them a call and see what process they use or if they outsource it.
Thank you

 

[shinbone]

I have heard from a well-know gunsmith who tried it that nitriding a bore works great, for awhile. However, Rather than a slow decline in accuracy as the throat wears, you get a sudden drop-off because the hardened nitrided steel breaks apart rather than erodes. Meaning, nitriding did not extend the accuracy life of the barrel, but, rather, shortened it.

 

[ultraedge]

I have had about 10 done by the salt bath method. 7stw, several .300 RUMs and a .338 EDGE. They shot good, but I don't think the juice was worth the squeeze.

 

[Ol' Red]

I just had my first rifle barrel, bolt and action nitride treated. I have less than 30 rounds down the barrel, but it does seem to shoot fast. Reloading manuals show about 150 fps slower than what I am getting. Time will tell how it works out. Look forward to hearing other other people's experiences.

 

[100percent]

Anecdotal but, I had three done (all ss krieger's) and they turned out to be VERY slow barrels! Like pressuring out at min book load charges with several powders. May or may not be reality but, I won't do another to find out! Although, the finish and durability is stellar!

 

[Darryle]

Is this a case of break in the barrel and then Nitride? Seems I read that on another forum, the reasoning behind it was it adds a microscopic amount to the surface, changing the bore diameter enough to effect velocity.

I am following for educational purposes, because I don't have a clue, but I am curious.

 

[Weaver93]

This is a quick overview @Darryle from H&M. Looks like the application is when barrels are new.

 

[QuietTexan]

Although, the finish and durability is stellar!

See that's what I'm looking for. If they shoot slow I'll step up the cartridge size. I want to be able to store a rifle outside in the rain and not have it rust

 

[Ol' Red]

Waiting for @ Banban to chime in. He has a lot of experience with Nitride treatment.