I have made threaded inserts in the past from low grade steel 1/2 in. x 13 tpi bolts - cut one inch of the threaded portion then drill and tap for 5/16 - 18. They work ok but will rust if there is any moisture.
I very recently bought some 304 stainless 1/2 in. rod and used it today to make some inserts. Threading the outside to 13 tpi under power in my lathe worked well and gave decent threads. However drilling it with an F drill then tapping it was a real chore. It was so obnoxious that I don't want to use the 304 again for this purpose.
Inserts are just under 1 in. long and are pictured with a 5/16 - 18 bolt:

They are installed along with a pin for each limb of the takedown recurve or longbow:

The insert and pin are 2 in. apart and the limbs are about 22 in. (in a straight line) from the insert to the where the string goes around the tip of the limb. The length along the limb is a couple of inches longer because of the curve. The draw weight of the bow will never exceed 70 lb.
I can get stainless 303 in 1/2 in. rod and possibly other types of stainless locally and I can also get brass (do not know what alloys are available at this point).
1) Is 303 likely to be much easier to work with (particularly with drilling and tapping for the 5/16 bolt) than 304?
2) Is there any other stainless alloy that would be easier to work with and fairly readily available?
3) Would some type of brass alloy be strong enough for this purpose and if so what should I ask for?
Note: even though making these three inserts was a real bear, the positive part was that the 36 tooth change gear I made a couple of days ago for my lathe, worked like a charm and I learned how to use the threading indicator.
Thanks for any information you can provide.
John.