Definitely hammer forged. Talked to Todd today at TJ's. He's only a few miles away from me so makes it really convenient. As long as we can find the correct size raw material and we don't find a reason not to do it I'm going to have some made. Compare what I know works really well to this to see. Use the same mandrel for it and a chromoly barrel to see if they shoot different.
It is good to consider all possibilities for rifling aluminum, Jeremy. Electrochemical machining has one major advantage. It does not use force and leaves no residual stress in the material. So minimal warpage or springing.However, if time and cost are considerations for an aluminum barrel, that suggest button rifling and hammer forging.Anyway, the OP seems slow in listing his goals, other than light weight is not the main reason. So, we are trying to throw a lifeline to a man that is drowning in an empty pool. Either that, or he snuck out of the pool when we were not paying attention:Quote from: TroyHammer on December 12, 2020, 03:17:33 AMDefinitely hammer forged. Talked to Todd today at TJ's. He's only a few miles away from me so makes it really convenient. As long as we can find the correct size raw material and we don't find a reason not to do it I'm going to have some made. Compare what I know works really well to this to see. Use the same mandrel for it and a chromoly barrel to see if they shoot different.
Or like Volquartsen does...
Weight is only a partial benefit. Not comparing to steel sleeved with CF. I know that works really well and this wouldn't be lighter than that anyway. I'm looking at a true bull barrel style setup. Wouldn't even work on many guns. I'm thinking an OD of 1" for the barrel. That should be extremely rigid and similar weight to a standard 15mm OD steel barrel. This project would be for cost effectiveness and ease of build. The time alone machining, sleeving and curing properly plus buying a good barrel, CF sleeves in proper diameter, cutting to length and finishing is enveloping.
Quote from: Vee3 on December 14, 2020, 11:54:46 PMOr like Volquartsen does...Very sexy. Very expensive. Not sure the OP wants to increase costs over a steel barrel. Below is what he stated:Quote from: TroyHammer on December 12, 2020, 04:49:38 PMWeight is only a partial benefit. Not comparing to steel sleeved with CF. I know that works really well and this wouldn't be lighter than that anyway. I'm looking at a true bull barrel style setup. Wouldn't even work on many guns. I'm thinking an OD of 1" for the barrel. That should be extremely rigid and similar weight to a standard 15mm OD steel barrel. This project would be for cost effectiveness and ease of build. The time alone machining, sleeving and curing properly plus buying a good barrel, CF sleeves in proper diameter, cutting to length and finishing is enveloping.
I don't know why everyone is trying to over think this...
Chrome lining has been used for decades to improve barrel life and allow the use of inferior steel.
I understand a nitrided barrel is another popular option.
Company said they'd supply me with a sample to make a barrel from.