So what is actually stronger

[uz2busmc]

Solid machined steel or cast brass with a seamless insert for a barrel. I know that this depends on the type of steel but enlighten me anyway.

[Cat Whisperer]

Solid machined steel or cast brass with a seamless insert for a barrel. I know that this depends on the type of steel but enlighten me anyway.

Tough to answer without specifics.  But in general BOTH can be more than adequate  to do the job.  Then the question changes to one of manufacturing costs - which vary considerably with the quantity to be produced.

The materials must meet several criteria for strenghts.  We're looking first at the metal stretching and returning to original form when fired.  Past a certain point of stretch the metal won't return to it's original form.  That's one form of strength, and obviously there are other factors.  As one increases strength by increasing hardness the metal becomes brittle - not good.  So simply put the steel provides the strenghts needed without being brittle (as is cast iron).  In small quantities machining is cheaper than casting because of the setup needed for casting.  If uyou're going to make a few hundered than it becomes cheaper to cast and then insert a steel liner for strength.

[uz2busmc]

Thanx CW, I'm guessing then that this would mean in general, steel would fit the bill more often given about the same $ amount or even a little cheaper than a comparable cast and lined barrel.

[Cat Whisperer]

Thanx CW, I'm guessing then that this would mean in general, steel would fit the bill more often given about the same $ amount or even a little cheaper than a comparable cast and lined barrel.

More or less.  If you're building, it's easier than casting - unless you're set up for casting and WANT to do it.  OR you might find a company that sells cannon barrels separately (as production cast with seamless liners at a reasonable price) and you want to build the rest.

Lots of options.  That makes figuring the bottom line a little more complicated.

[GGaskill]

Strength is more than materials only, it's also how much of what material is where.  Each of a steel gun, a brass gun and a steel lined brass gun could be safely strong or not depending on the details and execution.

[Cat Whisperer]

Strength is more than materials only, it's also how much of what material is where.  Each of a steel gun, a brass gun and a steel lined brass gun could be safely strong or not depending on the details and execution.

And YOU'RE one of the two or three here who would KNOW from EXPERIENCE of doing your own casting!