I need to face and crown a barrel I cut down. My question is brownells sells these cutters but one with brass pilot and one with steel. Why the difference? Brass for steel and steel for stainless?

I would just use the brass ones...

Not an expert or a "Gunsmith" either but I would say that Capt. Obvious has given sound advice, the brass is much softer than the metal in the barrel and should not damage the rifling within the barrel. Sure hope you find the solution!

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Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198

If you call Brownells they will be glad to give you all the information you need to make the choice. I have called them many times and they are very friendly and willing to help.

For a limited number of uses the brass is preferred, but if you are going to do many many re-crowning's the steel pilot won't have any wear if you are concerned about precision. I thought they also had one with a nylon pilot.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I think the choices are given because customers can have clear opinions on which is best, or not, to use.
Some will cringe at the thought of a steel pilot in the bbl and would only use the tool if equiped with a brass pilot.

Others don't like brass for a pilot as they feel the softer material may pick up tiny bits of the harder steel and imbed itself into it. That they feel has a chance to scar the bbl if it turns while using the tool.

So they offer a choice, let the customer choose.