Straight scoop on Century Tantals?

Folks, word on the street has it that Century fixed the barrel problem somewhere after serial number 2500. Does anyone know for sure?

Century blamed it on the design of the 5.45X39 AMMO

I will point out that they didn't fix the "barrel isn't chrome lined" problem AFAIK. Whether that is an important to you or not thing is YMMV. If you plan on shooting much corrosive, it probably should be important to you..... Also, unknown is whether the twist and bore diameter were both wrong. I've seen posts to the effect that both were initially incorrect, indicating that they screwed the pooch on both (which would be the case if they just chambered .223 bored barrel blanks for 5.45x39, as has been suspected). Recently, I've seen posts and ad text by those hawking them that the twist was/is fixed with no mention of the bore diameter issue. It'd be useful to know if both problems were resolved. The way they handled the problems initially (if you read the earlier experiences), the "bad ammo" excuse alluded to earlier, and the later "not accepting returns on keyholing issue" policy that has been mentioned in the forums, should tell you volumes about dealing with the big C as a company if you have issues.

hey, i made out like a bandit on the ammo problem. century blew out their romanian hotshot 5.45 at .12 a round right after the first of the year with that funky disclaimer on it. they basically blamed the barrel problems on ammo. i ended up with 10 tins of that stuff. free shipping to boot. it shoots great. a little lower poi and not quite as accurate as 7n6 but it goes bang everytime. it never keyholes from any gun i own, tantal, wasr2, romak2, bulgarian, or my 5.45 ar.

i like to use the non-corrosive ammo in my 5.45 ar15, it's a smith & wesson m&p15r. if i'm gonna put a bunch of lead downrange i don't mind using the 7n6 and give the gun a real good cleaning, but for a quick trip to the range and shoot for 30 minutes then have to clean the gun for 30 minutes it's not a fair tradeoff.

i've got 9 tins left, it should last me a while......

I've got a 1:9 twist, serial 34**, purchased in 12/08, CAI Tantal that hasn't keyholed on me yet. I've shot Wolf 60gr. HP and FMJ, and 7n6 through it. Shot off a bench at 25, 50, and 100yds, at paper. Not saying anything about the "fix," but mine has been a pleasure. CAI is risky business.

Folks, you've posted some awesome info that explains the problem. I just wanted to know if anyone knew for sure that CAI had fixed the problem after serial number 2500 or not! I've tried contacting CAI several times, with the expected results - none! Just wanted to know if some insider might have slipped some info.

I should chime in here and say that I have experienced no problems with keyholing with my 'new' century tantal, serial number Y003**
There is a model number range, that after a certain point should be fine.
I want to say RI 1576 is the 'new' model number of the tantals that one should look for.

I've shot Wolf MC 70grn, Silver Bear 60grn, as well as Russian Surplus 53 grain at distances of up to 150 yards, and have not had keyholing issue.

I will never buy a Tantal from Century, regardless of whether or not they fixed this problem. The way they handled that whole situation was disgraceful.

Besides, my rivet work and gunkote looks better than their o-rings and park. Just my $0.02

I will never buy a Tantal from Century, regardless of whether or not they fixed this problem. The way they handled that whole situation was disgraceful. +1