Tooling steel for Firing pins - The Firearms Forum

Helix_FR · 09-08-2009, 04:57 PM

OK a little poll here for my own benefit

What kind of tooling steel do you all recommend for firing pins.
I've been using O1 just to mess around with but there are so many out there, I'm sure there is something that is a little better at machining( even though O1 isn't all that hard) or even more resistent to wear.

Jay · 09-08-2009, 05:07 PM

If I were going to make a firing pin, I'd use RDS, by Carpenter Steel.

Oil hardened from 1525 deg F = 61/62 Rockwell C
Temper at 400 deg F = 56/57 Rockwell C

To machine it, turn it at 90/105 sfpm using high-speed lathe tools. Much more wear-resistant than 01 tool steels......

If you want/need more info, I'll do my best to provide it.

09-08-2009, 04:57 PM	#1
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,627	Tooling steel for Firing pins OK a little poll here for my own benefit What kind of tooling steel do you all recommend for firing pins. I've been using O1 just to mess around with but there are so many out there, I'm sure there is something that is a little better at machining( even though O1 isn't all that hard) or even more resistent to wear. -->

09-08-2009, 05:07 PM	#2
Jay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,286	Re: Tooling steel for Firing pins If I were going to make a firing pin, I'd use RDS, by Carpenter Steel. Oil hardened from 1525 deg F = 61/62 Rockwell C Temper at 400 deg F = 56/57 Rockwell C To machine it, turn it at 90/105 sfpm using high-speed lathe tools. Much more wear-resistant than 01 tool steels...... If you want/need more info, I'll do my best to provide it. __________________ "For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected cannot taste." "USMC 8652, 2531, RVN Jun '67, - May 69"