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Rifles, Reloading, Optics, Equipment
Long Range Scopes and Other Optics
Steel vs Aluminum scope bases.
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<blockquote data-quote="LouBoyd" data-source="post: 603427" data-attributes="member: 9253"><p>The main properties of aluminum relative to steel are:</p><p>Aluminum has 2-3 times the thermal expansion.</p><p>Aluminum has about 1/2 the weight.</p><p>Aluminum usually has less strength.</p><p>Aluminum can corrode, steel can rust. </p><p>Both can be cast or machined.</p><p>Both can be high or low quality. </p><p></p><p>I usually choose whichever material the base attaches to. That is, I put steel bases on a steel receiver and aluminum bases on an aluminum receiver, such as an AR-15 if they have a large area of contact. If the rail bridges a large gap over the ejection port and won't be as hot as the receiver I may use an aluminum base on a steel receiver if the scope also has an aluminum tube. That can reduce bending from thermal expansion. In any case the most important feature is whether the base is accurately machined and fits both the receiver and the rings. </p><p></p><p>I do use some of the aluminum optics planet rails, the one made by EGW. They are well machined.</p><p></p><p>As with many shooting related decisions one parameter gets traded for another. It's not a matter of best, only what's appropriate for a given use.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="LouBoyd, post: 603427, member: 9253"] The main properties of aluminum relative to steel are: Aluminum has 2-3 times the thermal expansion. Aluminum has about 1/2 the weight. Aluminum usually has less strength. Aluminum can corrode, steel can rust. Both can be cast or machined. Both can be high or low quality. I usually choose whichever material the base attaches to. That is, I put steel bases on a steel receiver and aluminum bases on an aluminum receiver, such as an AR-15 if they have a large area of contact. If the rail bridges a large gap over the ejection port and won't be as hot as the receiver I may use an aluminum base on a steel receiver if the scope also has an aluminum tube. That can reduce bending from thermal expansion. In any case the most important feature is whether the base is accurately machined and fits both the receiver and the rings. I do use some of the aluminum optics planet rails, the one made by EGW. They are well machined. As with many shooting related decisions one parameter gets traded for another. It's not a matter of best, only what's appropriate for a given use. [/QUOTE]
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Rifles, Reloading, Optics, Equipment
Long Range Scopes and Other Optics
Steel vs Aluminum scope bases.
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