Barrel life
I have always wondered what would be considered normal barrel life on a rifle.
If a person cleans the barrel properly after usage and uses standard factory loaded ammo just how may rounds will a non magnum centerfire rifle barrel be able to shoot before it gives up the ghost??
mike
If a person cleans the barrel properly after usage and uses standard factory loaded ammo just how may rounds will a non magnum centerfire rifle barrel be able to shoot before it gives up the ghost??
mike
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Do certain powders give longer barrel life than others? Thanks. 0 -
Bruce Hodgdon advertised that Ball powders gave longer barrel life than extruded. This back when he was the only source of Ball powder, Winchester selling only to government, OEM, or in house ammo manufacture. I have since read that his claims do not hold up.
As one writer said, testing it would involve systematically wearing out several barrels which I do not have the time, money, or inclination to do.0 -
Geri
The old rule of thumb was 40 pounds of powder.
In a 30-06 class cartridge that's 4-5000 rounds.
Even a 10% increase in throat life (which is where the erosion takes place) isn't much in the scheme of life.0 -
While there has to be some correlation with type of powder used, I think (as mentioned) barrel life is mostly proportionate to the QUANTITY of powder burned.
Bullet type and how you shoot (ie rapidly or slowly, to prevent barrel overheating) also matter.0 -
Mr. Bruce Hodgdon is a smart fellow . A marketing statement that can't be disproved is Brilliant . HODGDON DOES SELL SOME VERY GOOD POWDERS . How about that Varget !! [;)] 0 -
firing repeatedly hot will wear out a barrel faster than allowing adequate cooling time.
Improper cleaning methods will add greatly to erosion.
powder type is the least effective in erosion. There are plenty of military sniper rifles in 308 that have 10,000rnds down the tube that are still holding 1/2MOA0 -
Geri,
"Do certain powders give longer barrel life than others?"
Yes, some powders can allow for a longer barrel life. The converse is also true though, that some powders shorten barrel life.
From an article I have on file:
"Generally, there are two types of propellant chemistry available to handloaders. Single-base powders contain primarily nitrocellulose with various coatings added to enhance stability and control muzzle flash and burn rate, etc. For example, most IMR and Hodgdon cylindrical or stick propellants are single-base."
"Double-base propellant is comprised mostly of nitrocellulose but also has another potent ingredient (nitroglycerine) added to increase the available energy. While most double-base propellants are spherical (ball) or flake powders, other brands offer double-base cylindrical powders."
Double base powders decrease barrel life by comparison to single base powders.
Most folks don't have access to charts or the data referencing the factor of Heat of Explosion/Potential but this is usually a good indicator of powders that will either promote longer life or shorten it. Simply put, the larger the number the more heat the powder produces therefore greater potential damage to the barrel. Obviously then, smaller numbers produce less heat and lower the potential for damage.
Powders known to have higher energy or heat are the Reloder powders and the 'High Energy' 500 series powders from VihtaVuori.
Powders with lower heat include most of the Accurate Arms powders and the 100 series powders from VihtaVuori.
Best.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Geri
Do certain powders give longer barrel life than others? Thanks.
Yes, In short read nn's reply.
Also, please note JustC's reply that unless you shoot hot, as like in serious competition, other factors weigh in a lot more.
Most important, unless you shoot serious competition, you aren't going to wear a barrel out shooting a rifle. So find what powder shoots best in your rifle and use that.0
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