From a discussion on, American Long Rifles Forums, Dated July 2010
(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) To quote LaSalle:
. . .The impact energy, as measured by the Charpy test, is given as a function of the test temperature . At low temperatures, the impact energy was found to be very low, less than 5 ft-lb (6.8 Joules), and the transition temperature . . . higher than 70°F (21.1°C)
Translation: this steel, as do others, becomes brittle from cold. “Cold” to 12L14 is room temperature.
It should be understood that LA-LED® has low impact properties with wide scatter as measured by the Charpy test, and users should be aware of this fact. . . if impact or shock loading is anticipated, particularly at low ambient temperatures (i.e., an American’s idea of room temperature, or below) this aspect of design and material selection should be considered . . .
LA-LED is LaSalle's trade name for 12L14.
I can also look up the barrel failures that I read about in the 80's in my Muzzle Blast magazines.
I have no issues about using 12L14 for 22rf but, if I had one of these barrels in CF, I would for sure send it to Joe
Frank