Need info on barrel life. I'm puzzled...

joe.grey

joe.grey

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
17   0   1
Location
South East Ontario
Hey guys,

I've done some extensive reading on these forums on barrel life for the 243 win caliber. I'm a bit puzzled as to what exactly affects barrel life. Since the .243 seems to be nicknamed the "barrel burner", what exactly makes it a barrel burner? is it because of the high muzzle velocity over 3200? If so, would keeping the muzzle velocity under 3200 extend barrel life?

I would use the .243 for competitive shooting. 105gr
 
Last edited:
I believe it has something to do with the amount of powder burned per round in relation to bore size. Having said that, it's bull sh!t that the 243 is a barrel burner. The 243 is a great caliber and when used with common sense it will last you a life time. I do use it in local shoots, 105 @ 1000Mts.
Enjoy.
 
.243 might last a life time in a hunting situation but it won't if your a serious shooter. With F-class for example we would shoot more on a weekend than most hunters will in there life of the hunting rifle. It does relate to the bore size vs powder charge.
 
Any cartridge is a barrel burner, if you push it hard enough. You can kill a 308 barrel in under a 1000 rounds, but that takes some doing.

Barrel life is a very woolly subject; lots of people saying different things. You can shoot identical rounds (velocity, bullet, powder etc) through identical barrels (same steel source, contour, twist, length) and there is no guarantee they will have the same longevity.
 
joe.grey said:
I'm really interested in the .243 for its wind 'cheating' capabilities but the fact that it can run through a barrel much quicker than a 308 is the downfall.
Click to expand...

You could have a look at .260 or 7mm08 and pick the "sweet spot" that fits you for performance and barrel life for the 308 case.
 
joe.grey said:
I'm really interested in the .243 for its wind 'cheating' capabilities but the fact that it can run through a barrel much quicker than a 308 is the downfall.
Click to expand...

Hence the popularity of the 6.5x55 and .260 Rem. Better ballistics and better barrel life.

That said, barrels are probably the cheapest part of shooting precision. Certainly much much cheaper than the cost of the ammo to burn them out, and much cheaper than even an entry level scope. The cost and difficulty of rebarreling is often greatly overrated; burning the OEM barrel out is just a great excuse to upgrade to something better.
 
I heard that they are barrel burners too. I load with Varget and 4064. They say that's the worst powders on barrel life. I shoot LOTS, weekly sometimes daily. It still shoots sub MOA. Some days I put 100 down the tube. I'm up around 2500 rounds. It seems like it shoots better than when it was new. And I do load HOT. It's a great calibre.
 
A lot of people think that barrel burners only affect accuracy. They also effect velocity as well. Barrels are a wear item. If you can't and aren't prepared to accept this then buy a 223 or 308. Nothing wrong with the 243 it's a great cartridge but mileage will vary, but if you want a fast flat low recoil round the 6mms offer a lot.
 
Perhaps have a look at 6SLR and/or 6 Competition Match. Both slight improvements on the .243 that with the right powders can have extremely good barrel life.
 
My new barrels are made with a 4" shank, so I can cut 2" off the end and re-chamber at the 2,000 to 3,000 round mark. Most of the wear is in the throat, so cutting off 2" makes it almost a new barrel.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom