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- Feb 21, 2025
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For anyone who's used up multiple barrels, what observations have you made about barrel life over the years? Do you notice that your replacement intervals tend to be consistent across similar platforms?
Question about barrels
- Thread starter Alan
- Start date
No, they are not. But it’s more about the components than the specific cartridge.
Cartridge design is a factor. Overbore” cartridges are the worst. .220 swift is a good example. It was renowned for burning up barrels. The volume of powder in that parent 30-06 case was too large for the reduction in bore size to 22. Barrels would literally glaze and crack just ahead of the chamber. 4000+ fps was still attractive to some shooters. It’s hard to find one today.
Powder is a factor. “Too hot a load” can burn barrels. Black powder caused corrosion. A large selection and better powder choices today have nearly eliminated the problem. Recommended powder “recipes” exist for a reason.
Primers can be a factor. Early primers in old firearms were more corrosive. Modern primers are much better.
Jackets are a factor. Steel jackets wear a bore more than lead. Gilding metal and tin alloys more than softer copper, etc. I have a 22LR with more than 300k logged rounds through it. It still shoots accurately. But it is a soft lead, outside lubricated bullet. Cheap steel jacketed foreign military surplus ammo is hard on barrels.
Cleaning methods are the most common ruin of a barrel I have seen. Crowns wear out from cleaning from the muzzle with a steel cleaning rod. It’s better to clean from the breach if possible. Stainless steel brushes and steel jigs can scratch and wear a barrel, copper less so. I have learned to love bore snakes.
Cartridge design is a factor. Overbore” cartridges are the worst. .220 swift is a good example. It was renowned for burning up barrels. The volume of powder in that parent 30-06 case was too large for the reduction in bore size to 22. Barrels would literally glaze and crack just ahead of the chamber. 4000+ fps was still attractive to some shooters. It’s hard to find one today.
Powder is a factor. “Too hot a load” can burn barrels. Black powder caused corrosion. A large selection and better powder choices today have nearly eliminated the problem. Recommended powder “recipes” exist for a reason.
Primers can be a factor. Early primers in old firearms were more corrosive. Modern primers are much better.
Jackets are a factor. Steel jackets wear a bore more than lead. Gilding metal and tin alloys more than softer copper, etc. I have a 22LR with more than 300k logged rounds through it. It still shoots accurately. But it is a soft lead, outside lubricated bullet. Cheap steel jacketed foreign military surplus ammo is hard on barrels.
Cleaning methods are the most common ruin of a barrel I have seen. Crowns wear out from cleaning from the muzzle with a steel cleaning rod. It’s better to clean from the breach if possible. Stainless steel brushes and steel jigs can scratch and wear a barrel, copper less so. I have learned to love bore snakes.
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