Gentlemen,
Long time lurker, first time poster. An issue that I need help resolving is the practical differences between aluminum and steel mounting hardware. On this forum, and others, I have seen threads responding to questions about mixing alu & steel regarding the possible effects of corrosion due to electrolytic corrosion, which appear to be neglegible if rig is prepared & maintained properly. But I guess I am wondering if there are real differences between the two materials. SWFA alone carries over 40 manufactureres of mounts & rings and most of them use both materials. I have also seen titanium products. It appears that the steel hardware is more expensive, but does the price necesarily equal better durability? Aluminum is obviously lighter than steel, but is the weight advantage worth sacrificing that durability?
Other than the cost vs weight difference, is there a substantial difference in strength? ie hardness, tensile, compression, thermal expansion.
Or quite simply, some people like lightweight hardware and some like heavier?
This really may be more academic than practical as I am a civilian, I shoot for recreation and my gear realistically won't be put through the rigors as that of a professional.
I have a .308 Rem 700 VS w/26" bbl and an older model "Vari X III 4.5-14x50 Long Range Tactical" w/30mm tube. Per Leup, this scope has 125 moa of adjustment (however I only count about +/-490 clicks) I am pretty set on STEEL TPS TSR rings & XP 20 moa base (though I think I can get out to 1k with my scope flat) as TPS looks like the best bang for the buck in steel products. However, if alu is only negligably weaker, I could save a few bucks and go with EGW or Millett bases & SS, Millett or Burris rings.
Wow! I am sorry to be so garrulous. And thanks for all of the insight I have pulled from your posts.
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