22-250 vs .223 for 500 meters and in.

[A-zone]

Realistically, I think you're good for 10,000 rounds with the .223 (for minute of gopher). Go with either the Tikka Varminter or the Savage.

Either way, if you wear the rifle out, you will have gotten your money's worth.

 

[Jeff000]

Realistically, I think you're good for 10,000 rounds with the .223 (for minute of gopher). Go with either the Tikka Varminter or the Savage.

Either way, if you wear the rifle out, you will have gotten your money's worth.

and how many 22-250 rounds? providing I dont overheat the barrel.

 

[lcq]

Crude guess 2500-5000 max

Brian

 

[A-zone]

and how many 22-250 rounds? providing I dont overheat the barrel.

If you don't shoot a lot of lighter bullets (i.e. 40 grain) pushing 4,000 fps, I would expect at least 5,000 rounds, possibly quite a bit more. Moderate bullet speeds simply won't be as hard on your barrel. I've read of some 22-250 barrels delivering their best accuracy for 2,000 rounds but, in all fairness, the amount that they'll open up after that is probably still quite acceptable for most casual shooting for many more rounds. Check: http://www.cactustactical.com/reloading/reloadingfiles/tips5.doc

I tend to think that more damage is probably done through poor cleaning practices or over-cleaning. Still, the recipe for short barrel life is fast bullets (high volume of powder) too many rounds too fast and poor cleaning practices.

If you're really keen on knowing the difference, I'd check with people who build rifle barrels (e.g. Lilja at http://www.riflebarrels.com/). There's no doubt that barrel life is also influenced by the composition of the barrel. With the type of steel that you'll be getting in a Tikka or Savage, I think you're going to be getting a barrel that will provide longer life than you might have expected a few decades ago.

 

[Scragbait]

Throat - more specifically this is the portion of the barrel that is close to the chamber, where the pressure and heat are the most intense. A well cared for barrel's life usually ends after enough of the rifling here has been 'washed out' by the fire.