I've found out the hard way some steels color better than others but I don't which ones.

Anybody know?

Thanks,
Terry

Terry, I probably can't be a whole lot of help but no one seems to be responding. I'll act like I know just to get the ball rolling. My recollection is that the more chromium, the more resistant to coloring. I think 1018 was what many pre-war guns were made from and is very good for coloring.

Terry:

I haven't read this thread for a while, but if it is not mentioned in here, I'm certain the main actor will know the answer......this was put up by someone earlier in this forum.......

case hardening

Terry,

I don't know what is the best however 8620 is a great steel which is mainly used for gears on cars. A custom gunmaker (Martin Hagn) who is known for producing high quality single shots uses this steel and judging by the look of his finished guns it takes case hardening well.

Good luck with whatever you decide to go with.

Ask your heat treater what works. You might ask "new_guy" here who's the Heym rep. They have a case hardened bolt gun for sale on their site. I'd guess they're using the DIN equivalent of 4340. I believe H&H also use the Anglo equivalent of 4340.

Many of the action makers use 8620 if case hardening is the end process.