Need advise here on barrel steel identification or assessment.
Been thinking of building a 303-22 because I have the barrels. But - how do I tell if the steel is suitable? I was given to believe that Tozz 22's used 4140 type steel but when I compare the four barrels that I have, two ring like a tuning fork while two have a dull thud sound. One of the 'tuning fork' barrels is one I am shortening for a youngster and that steel is tough. It machines like tough steel too. That one has the action machined into the barrel and is stamped 'PROVED BARREL STEEL'. It blunted three hacksaw blades (not good quality blades obviously). That one is a Slazenger made by Lithgow. The other barrel with 'ring' is a Coey - probably a military training rifle. Any ideas? The Coey barrel is real long so would make a good high velocity cast boolit rifle but has only a 1-in-16 twist while the shorter 1-in-14 twist Tozz has that dull thud.