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How much effect does pressure have on barrel life?
#6890348
09/18/17 01:42 AM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,198
Smokey Bear
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,198 |
While I was waiting for my rem mag to cool between groups yesterday I shot my 223 bolt gun. I have a low pressure Varget load that shoots pretty good and an IMR 8208 XBR load that is .3 grains below pressure signs that shoots lights out. I usually shoot the Varget load and reserve the XBR for serious target work, which for me is not that often. I'm an experienced shooter and reloader and shoot a good bit. I'm also fairly new to this site. It appears there is a lot of knowledge and experience here. Particularly shooters that take it a lot more serious than me. On to my question: would you roll with the high pressure load full time and not worry about a shorter barrel life and a load that had its back to the wall, or go easy on a sweet shooting little varmint gun and save the high pressure load for times you are serious about it? How does the brain trust weigh in? I shot Varget out of it for the most part yesterday, but did shoot a three shot group with the XBR. I just learned how to post pics and there are some targets still in my range bag. I will mark up a couple targets and take a couple pics.
Smokey Bear---Lone Star State.
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Re: How much effect does pressure have on barrel life?
[Re: Smokey Bear]
#6890374
09/18/17 01:57 AM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,564
patriot07
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,564 |
How far are you shooting? 100 yards - roll with the light load. Past 300-400 yards - I'd probably shoot the faster stuff.
Either way - nice shooting!
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Re: How much effect does pressure have on barrel life?
[Re: Smokey Bear]
#6890401
09/18/17 02:33 AM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,198
Smokey Bear
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,198 |
I shoot coyotes with it mostly and pop a couple does in the bean each year. It is a light sporter that I usually shoot 55 grain bullets at 300 and closer.
Smokey Bear---Lone Star State.
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Re: How much effect does pressure have on barrel life?
[Re: Smokey Bear]
#6890844
09/18/17 03:27 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,954
ChadTRG42
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,954 |
Out of a 223, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Run whichever you like for that application. 223's have decent barrel life already, so a hotter load would be fine.
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Re: How much effect does pressure have on barrel life?
[Re: Smokey Bear]
#6890897
09/18/17 04:09 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,922
Jgraider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,922 |
To the OP's direct question, higher velocities + higher pressures. Can't have one without the other. Higher pressures = shorter barrel life.
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Re: How much effect does pressure have on barrel life?
[Re: Smokey Bear]
#6900162
09/27/17 01:44 AM
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 119
earl39
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 119 |
Don't remember exactly but read once that barrel life can be calculated by the amount of powder put thru it. Has a lot to do with heat and how hot for how long at a time. Every time you pull the trigger you are in essence putting a plasma torch down the barrel for a microsecond.
"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 (New King James Version)
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