What type of stainless steel should I use

[Dennis98277]

Hi guys I am getting ready to start my build and I am trying to pick a stainless steel. I am building a 9mm can and was trying to compare cost. Stainless 303 seams to be the cheapest can you all please advise. Thanks dennis

[Dr.K]

I've used 316L.

I never really base my stuff on cost. I want a can that will last a long long time.

All the stuff I have lined up for the very near future will sport grade 9 titanium tubes, and grade 5 titanium endcaps, and 316L internals.

[CMV]

303 is very easy to work with & a noticeable difference in ease of machining between it & 304 or pretty much most any other common flavor of SS. Downside is it's not quite as strong, doesn't give a nice bright shiny finish (at least for me), & probably lacks the most in the "stainless" part (it will rust/corrode/whatever it does faster than most others).

I'm not a welder but I think it's a poor candidate for welding compared to other flavors if that matters to you.

The ease of machining makes up for a lot of its deficiencies. More than strong enough for 9mm.

[Shift1]

I use 316L. Stainless is kinda stringy when turning it....be cautious don't let it get a hold of you.

[Dennis98277]

thanks guys cost is a factor but i would choose long life over cost. this is my first ever build and i want it to last just not sure of what metal to use. was always told stainless was the way to go that is why i was pricing it. didnt even see titianiam in the catolog. let me know who you all deal with thanks dennis.

[ghostdog662]

Welding use 304
Not welding use 303

[sendit]

Yes, 304 welds nicely, completely invisible after cleanup machining.

[57fairlane]

I use 316L. Stainless is kinda stringy when turning it....be cautious don't let it get a hold of you.

No kidding . . . i've cut myself twice on chips. Both were with 316

[Capt. Link.]

No kidding . . . i've cut myself twice on chips. Both were with 316

As long as the piggy count is ten.......
Please look up chip breakers before you machine SS it could save a piggy!
I like 416ss for end caps with 316L seamless for the pressure tube.

[Dennis98277]

thanks guys you are helping me a lot. i was watching youtube videos on oxy/cel welding last night and was wanting to know if that could be done with this steel i dont have a tig all i have is a hf flux core welder?

[joe0121]

I am doing my Form 1 with 17-4 internals and a Ti. Tube. It's my first one so take that for what it's worth

[57fairlane]

No kidding . . . i've cut myself twice on chips. Both were with 316

As long as the piggy count is ten.......
Please look up chip breakers before you machine SS it could save a piggy!
I like 416ss for end caps with 316L seamless for the pressure tube.

No doubt

If you see a stringer of 316, don't even bother touching it. Wear gloves or use snips/tongs to clear 316 stringers out of the way.

Neither time the lathe was on it but I thought I could clear some stringers out of the way. Wrong.

[SRM]

yall should try flintknapping.

[Capt. Link.]

yall should try flintknapping.

When I was a child I knew a Native American knapper.You have a very cool skill have you tried Obsidian.I have a bud that uses one as a patch knife.

[SRM]

obsidian is just brutal sharp.

[windchaser]

I tried knapping obsidion years ago, the scars are still with me. Can't find it on the east coast.