Stainless vs blued barrel

[Mr.Snerdly]

I am considering a new barrel for my 223 Axis. The stainless is very little higher and I have heard they don't erode as fast. Is there any downside to stainless?

[Dave Hoback]

I the other way around. Stainless steel wears faster than Carbon Steel. However, it’s not some spectacular number of rounds. Though stainless barrels have the potential of greater accuracy. So there really is no downside except the slight faster wear. Although it’s nowhere near the contrast of barrels using Chromed or Nitrided chambers/bores VS unlined steel chambers/bores.

[PhilC]

Is there any downside to stainless?
For all practical purposes - no.