Stainless Steel is not "soft" realtive to the surface hardness of other metals measured on the Brinell or Rockwell Scale. The galling occurs due to the hardness of the Stainless Steel versus the softness. SS has a much more dense molecular structure than say Copper,brass or carbon steel.
If you don't believe me, try putting a grinding wheel to some plasma-cut Stainless Steel plates for de-burring purposes. Then, do the same with some A-36 steel. The SS will work you to death because it is harder.
While we are on the subject, one of the reasons that guns are made from 4140 alloy steel is because it reacts well to heat treating rendering high surface hardnesses. Moreover, 4140 Heat Treated metal will withstand heat incursions such as those associated with shooting a firearm.
As with all metals, there are varying grades of Stainless, usually determined by the nickle and moly content.
For those desiring authenticity of this post, I can only tell you I worked two years in the Mill Wright shop of one of the largest lumber mills in the South and then five years as a salesman for the largest Steel Service Center Organization in the world.
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"When guns are outlawed;I will be an outlaw."
[This message has been edited by Will Beararms (edited January 15, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by Will Beararms (edited January 15, 2000).]