Is 303/304 stainless sutible for locking liners? I've been using 410 but came across a quantity of 303 at a good price. I don't want to go to it though if I'll end up with slick lock faces or bent locks. Thanks for the help.

Steve

Steve,

303 has .15%C and 304 .08%C. I've not tried to harden either but would think that the carbon levels would make that difficult. Also both are difficult to solder bolsters to. I could never get a flux aggressive enough to make it work. For that reason alone I went to a 400 series stainless and paid the extra price. Since I only make lockbacks, maybe one of the liner lock people can help you more than I.

Gary

Thanks Gary, I figured something along those lines. I appriciate the help. steve

Wish I could help you Steve but all I use for liner locks is titanium.

I think you'll find that 303 is too soft got liners, particularly for a liner-lock. 410 needs to be heat treated to a Rc of around 30-35.

Regards from Australia.

300 series stainless cannot be effectively heat treated. Put a magnet to it and you will see that it will not attract. 400 series steel can, and should as Neil said, be heat treated when used as a liner lock.

But, titanium works better and doesn't need the heat treating....

Thanks guys. I think I'm going to go with the ti. I appricate the help. steve