Barrel life in a 6BR?

CyaN1de

CyaN1de

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
89   0   0
Location
KTSA Regular
I was curious if anyone has "worn out" a 6BR barrel and if so how many rounds did you put through it?

I have about 1000 rounds through mine (had 500 when I bought it) and was wondering how much of it's "usable" life I have left.

Not shooting a hot load (30.5gr Varget with 107grn Sierra MK's).

I want to try a Kreiger from www .riflebarrels.ca when I wear this one out but I have been told I can expect upwards of around 3500-4000 rounds before I need to worry about it. Seems like a lot to me.
 
It will likely be modifed for a 6.5 barrel before it wears out :)

You will get at least 3500rds BEFORE set back. Then it will be good for another 2000+rds. If you have enough barrel, you can set back a few more inches and get another 2000rds.

Big reason I put as much untapered barrel as possible. Gives me lots of barrel to set back. Eventually, they make good varmint or hunting pipes.

Jerry
 
"...around 3500-4000 rounds before I need to worry about it..." When shooters speak of a barrel wearing out, they're talking about accuracy dropping off. This can mean the group goes from a half inch to 3/4" at 100 yards, depending on the shooter's personal standards. It doesn't mean that at shot number 3501 or 4001, the accuracy will go in the toilet though. It'll be a gradual thing. If you get consistent accuracy at 4500 rounds your barrel is still fine.
I'd be inclined to go rummage around http://www.6mmbr.com/index.html myself.
 
mysticplayer said:
It will likely be modifed for a 6.5 barrel before it wears out :)

You will get at least 3500rds BEFORE set back. Then it will be good for another 2000+rds. If you have enough barrel, you can set back a few more inches and get another 2000rds.

Big reason I put as much untapered barrel as possible. Gives me lots of barrel to set back. Eventually, they make good varmint or hunting pipes.

Jerry
Click to expand...

Hey Jerry,

I have 28"s to play with so a rebarrel to 6.5 might be an option in the future and it's a straight 1.25" barrel so no worries about any taper.

Richard
 
I think Jay Winfield has one which has shot over 4500 and still shoots well enough to beat me (please with hold any smart remarks). I have not worn one out and, no more than I shoot the BR, probably won't. Regards, Bill.
 
Richard, you should have at least two set backs (1.5 to 2" per) before the rifling gets so toasted that it 'chips' off.

That barrel might just see 8500rds of shooting before it can't hold the 10ring at 300m anymore. Like I said, you will likely get bored with it before you burn it out.

At 24", it would make a dandy varmint pipe which would extend its useful life another couple thousand rds.

Jerry
 
mysticplayer said:
Biggest problem is affording enough brass to make it worth using as a varmint rifle. Getting 300 cases of Lapua is a wee bit more then same amount in 223 once fired.

Jerry
Click to expand...

Maybe a "backup varmint rifle" so when the 22-250 and the 223 get too hot I can shoot the 6BR while the other 2 cool :D


8500 rounds...damn...I'll never get a Krieger at that rate :(

Obtunded said:
Mmmmmmmmmm... Vaaaaaaaaaarmints!
Click to expand...
I'll second that :D

mysticplayer said:
Biggest problem is affording enough brass to make it worth using as a varmint rifle. Getting 300 cases of Lapua is a wee bit more then same amount in 223 once fired.

Jerry
Click to expand...
Milcun had 6BR once fired for $0.20/case but are sold out. I would have bought 1000 or more at that price.
 
Last edited:
CyaN1de said:
8500 rounds...damn...I'll never get a Krieger at that rate :(
.
Click to expand...

If Mark pushes the F class match to 500m, it will become more difficult for the 6BR. Not that it isn't accurate enough, just the winds coming off that hillside is going to have some fun with you.

We all got away with some gusts at 300m. That isn't going to happen at 500m.

Lots of F class shooters do well with the 6BR and wildcats but it isn't as forgiving as a fast 6.5 or a 7mm.

In fact, some have gone to the larger 6XC/X47L/243 to push the heavy 115/117gr bullets faster.

Reducing wind drift is a huge aid in good scores unless you have superb wind doping skills.

Me thinks you will be looking for a Kreiger sooner then later...

Jerry
 
Hmmm. I wouldn't under-rate the 600M capabilities of the 6BR. I contine to be humbled by this amazing cartridge... I have begun playing with the 6BR at one mile. Not only is it getting there within the limits of my optics, It is producing groups in the neighbourhood of 1 foot. (105 Bergers, 2900 fps)One of my targets is a 14" saw blade gong. Under conditions average for the locale (Mirage and variable winds) every shot is hitting.

For the very reasons you state, I have got a 6X47 Lapua in the works, but apparently not because I need it :)

600 is almost no challenge at all. (He says cockily waving his hand in the air and setting himself up for swallowing a big slice of his left foot.. :))
 
In the LR BR scene, records have been falling to the BR and BR children. Recent pending record at 600yds is 5rds into a snick over 1/2" using the 105gr Amax from a Dasher. It works plain and simple....as far as accuracy is concerned.

But then, so do alot of other combos.

however, the question is about wind drift/doping and the conditions the match throws at you (all the rifles are more then accurate enough to shoot perfect scores). Except for one relay at the Farky, conditions were mild and someone, not sure who, shot a perfect relay with a 6BR.

Now if all/most of the relays were like that gusty bumpy relay (where a lot of shooters dropped points), using a lower BC combo just means you have to be that much faster on the changes and adjustments. I am no wind doping genius so lean heavily on technology. Me and a 308 would be a frustrating series of misses.

That is the driving force behind so many shooters and teams looking at the 180gr 7mm Bergers. These shooters are preparing to face some nasty conditions out to 1200yds and are willing to put up with the shoulder pounding to gain a ballistic edge.

If you know which way to lean and how much, really doesn't matter what you are shooting as long as it is mechanically accurate. However, if like me, you get caught with small changes in wind speed and direction, having a combo that slices through the air 1/2" less drift will save points.

YMMV

Jerry

PS Chilliwack is a fun 600yd match. Thinking about going to their two day match next June/July.
 
mysticplayer said:
Jerry

PS Chilliwack is a fun 600yd match. Thinking about going to their two day match next June/July.
Click to expand...



Jerry and all, the Chilliwack match is a rip! Loads of fun. Keep in mind your now having to shoot a police/military type caliber (223, 308, etc) and there are conditions regarding the overall weight of the firearm, muzzle brakes, etc. Most shoot 308 (by far the most common).

Last year the organizers and officials did a great job, and there were some great prizes.

The match is very well run, the relays are great, snap shoots, movers @ 400M, cold bore 600M, timed 600M, etc. Very challenging.

Even more so is that the range a Chilliwack has a service road access cut in the trees on either side of the target buts. We would have wind say 40 degrees right to left mid range the 90 degrees left to right at the targets. Great test for your wind doping skills :D

If your looking to try something different from F Class type shooting, sign up this year!

Look forward to seeing you all there (well except for getting by butt kicked by Jerry)!! :p
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom