Cobalt-base alloy gun barrel study

•A cobalt-base alloy experimental gun tube has been test fired.•Removal of barrel material from the bore was minimal.•The cobalt-base alloy allowed separation of thermal, chemical, and mechanical effects.•The wear pattern near the muzzle was unusual.•A plausible explanation for this pattern was offered.

Firing tests of a small caliber experimental gun barrel made of a cobalt-base alloy have been conducted with the purpose of determining the degree of wear and erosion due to excessive firing durations. The small amount of barrel material loss makes the cobalt-base alloy an excellent candidate for use as a gun liner. An unusual wear pattern resulting from this loss was observed near the muzzle. Elimination of chemical and thermal effects made a plausible explanation of the wear pattern possible.