Which is better material for a barrel in terms of:
Accuracy
Heat resistance in rapid fire
Average life
Value
Easier maintenance
I am starting a new build and debating between lilja AR barrels in 16". I wouldn’t mind spending extra for stainless steel over chrome moly but it would also be nice to save some money if otherwise
Daniel of Lilja has said that the SS is capable of 1/4 MOA and the Patrolman (CM) will shoot in the 1/2 MOA area.
Not saying I can make these shots but can anyone put in some input on which material is better in terms of value (life, maintenance, etc)
Also if anyone has a cheaper alternative for a SS barrel feel free to speak out
Generally a stainless barrel will be more accurate than a Chrome-Moly-Vanadium (CMV) barrel. Not by a huge margin. One example of many, take a look at the info Molon posted in the link below. Compare the group sizes of the Noveske 16" stainless barrel (0.92" average) to the Noveske 16" N4 barrel (1.24" average): http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=118&t=467919 The difference is just slightly more than 1/3" (one third of an inch)
Generally a stainless barrel will have a slightly shorter service life. Don’t take this comment to the extreme.
Generally a stainless barrel will be slightly heavier than a CMV barrel.
but can anyone put in some input on which material is better in terms of value (life, maintenance, etc)
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