How hot do you run your barrel?

Shabazz

Shabazz

Regular
Rating - 100%
222   0   0
Location
Nanaimo, BC
I ask because I plan to start competing in F-class and Precision Rifle type matches. One thing that I've noticed is the high volume of shooting that some of these matches require. Don't get me wrong the more shooting the better but I can't help worrying about how hot my barrel will get.

Right now I shoot until the barrel gets too hot to grab comfortably. I shoot a .308 and it usually takes about 10 rounds to get to that point. I then let the barrel cool for 4-5 minutes and then shoot another 5 rounds, and repeat. Compare that to the video below and you can see why I'm a little apprehensive.

From the Snipers Hide Cup:

[youtube]7UGydW8pAIE[/youtube]


I realize that's a pretty extreme example but maybe I'll be shooting a stage like that one day, and I'm curious at what point, if there is one, would I be doing damage to my barrel or seriously reducing barrel life? What's your limit for your rifle? Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
If you are going to compete, you are going to shoot the course of fire, in the time allocated. Don't worry about it.
 
Yup PR is usually 10 rounds per stage. I have let off 20 shot strings before, no problem at all with a .308
 
Unlimited sighters... 20 rds string fire. The most sighters I scored for a shooter was 19 before he went for score and then shot another 20rds.... All 308. Scored very well to boot at 1000yds.

39C ambient in the Phoenix sun... US Nationals last Oct. Your rifle is hotter sitting around then it is after a relay shooting 3 to a mound up here.

I made the mistake of trying to grab the barrel to pick it up... I only did that ONCE!!!

Top barrel makers like Krieger and Shilen continue to experiment with ways to keep their barrels stable even when they are stupidly hot. That testing and development has allowed me to keep shooting small targets and groups when barrels are WAY too hot to touch.

I am currently doing some testing for both.... The last Shilen I shot (308 heavy barrel) in 15C at a rate of about 1 every 15 to 20 secs was 32rds... last shots fell into the same group for size and location at 250yds.

My Shilen 6XC #4 contour has been run fast out of a mag fed PRS type rig - I usually stop after 15 to 18rds in rapid fire.... hot barrel. Accurate out to 940yds even when hot.

With my new FTR and Krieger, ambient was around 20C. last 4rds ending a 27rds string went under 1" at 250dys. Not super fast but got all rds fired in 12mins or so.

Hard on bores... you bet but if the sport requires you to fire alot of rds in a short time, you better test your set up to make sure it doesn't fall off a cliff when it gets hot.

YMMV.

Jerry
 
Speed (frequency) is the issue - the most you'll see in an F-Class match is the unlimited sighters and 20 for score in 22 minutes (USA). How you address the time is the issue. In Canada, you'll alternate at 45 seconds per shooter, whether you're 2 or 3 to the mound, 15 or 20 on score plus 2 sighters. There is no issue with firing a quick relay in Canada - I have not had an issue in the USA either (but I limit my sighters to no more than 5). Give 'er!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom