What Type ( 416, 416 R, etc. ) of Stainless Steel Does Savage Currently Use for Barrels?

**Turkeytider** · 12-08-2021, 09:37 AM

I did a search and the most current comments I found were from 2016. Things may have changed since then. Thanks.

**celltech** · 12-08-2021, 10:02 AM

I would think all modern SS barrels are 416R to deal with cold weather...

**ninner** · 12-08-2021, 08:11 PM

It would be cool to sample a piece with a PMI gun to see what it really is. Anyone have a sample after a barrel trim.

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**CFJunkie** · 12-08-2021, 08:32 PM

Since 416R tends to be a premium SS and most manufacturers who are suppling it, make lots of noise about using it. It is a great selling feature.
I doubt Savage is using 416R because none of their ads say a word about what SS they are using.
If they were using 416R, they would be bragging about it too.
I suspect their SS is 4140 or 4150, not 416R.
If they are using 416R, I would fire everyone in their advertising department for not using it as a selling feature.

Actually, 4150 was the 'go to' SS before 416R became popular, so I don't think having a 4150 barrel would be all that of a detriment.
Lots of ARs had 4150 SS barrels.

**Turkeytider** · 12-08-2021, 10:38 PM

I went ahead and sent a query to Savage . They said 416. Didn`t specify 416 R.

**hickerx2** · 12-08-2021, 11:14 PM

Originally Posted by CFJunkie

Actually, 4150 was the 'go to' SS before 416R became popular, so I don't think having a 4150 barrel would be all that of a detriment.
Lots of ARs had 4150 SS barrels.

4140 and 4150 are chrome/moly carbon steel alloys, not stainless. 416R is barrel-specific stainless and is the only suitable stainless alloy for barrel making.

**Dave Hoback** · 12-08-2021, 11:49 PM

I was gonna say the same thing. CFjunkie... sorry, but hickorx2 is correct. Who told you 4140/4150 was Stainless? It's Chrome-moly(4140), and a Chrome-moly with a touch of Vanadium in 4150. Yes, 4150 is poar for AR15 barrels...as is 416R STAINLESS, like the barrel I'm currently using.

**CFJunkie** · 12-09-2021, 07:44 AM

Dave and hickerx2

I stand corrected and appreciate the information. I also didn't realize the nuance of Chrom-moly and Chrome-moly vanadium.
It explains why in calculating exit time for a barrel, the reflection velocity of 4150 is listed at 19,969 fps and 416R is listed at 20,014 fps.
Never could understand why the velocity was a bit slower for 4140 and 4150 when the materials handbook says generic SS has a velocity of 20,000 fps.
Now I know.
By the way, if you are calculating exit time, the standard .3% carbon steel Savage barrels have a reflection velocity or 19,107 fps.