Hot 308 Barrel Life
- Thread starter aslrookie
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I shoot 155s at 2980 out of a 28" barrel. This is actually a mild load, under max by 1.5gr (42.5gr ar-comp) primers aren't flattened, no pressure signs (advantage of longer barrel). My current barrel has ~3700 rds down the tube and is still as accurate as when it was new. I have minimal throat erosion and haven't had to change my load to chase it… and my velocity hasn't changed outside of the first 100rds or so, when it gained about 60fps.
It's my understanding that heavy projectiles put more wear on the barrel than lighter ones AT THE SAME PRESSURE. The lighter bullet spends less time on the bore (dwell time) and therefore the super hot gasses spend less time pressurized in the throat resulting in-less throat erosion. Accurate shooter did an interesting study on this a while back, comparing how much time the bullet stays in the bore and the actual barrel life, in seconds. The article shouldn't be hard to find.
So the moral of the story is fast 155s shouldn't wear out your barrel any sooner than fast heavy bullets.
Cheers
It's my understanding that heavy projectiles put more wear on the barrel than lighter ones AT THE SAME PRESSURE. The lighter bullet spends less time on the bore (dwell time) and therefore the super hot gasses spend less time pressurized in the throat resulting in-less throat erosion. Accurate shooter did an interesting study on this a while back, comparing how much time the bullet stays in the bore and the actual barrel life, in seconds. The article shouldn't be hard to find.
So the moral of the story is fast 155s shouldn't wear out your barrel any sooner than fast heavy bullets.
Cheers
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Most running 155's are pushing them in the 2900 fps range. 2700 is 168 speeds. When I ran 155's, I had them going 2915-ish.
Barrels will eventually burn out so there is no point in worrying about it. 308's have a very long barrel life. Get the most out of the round you're shooting and enjoy the rifle.
Barrels will eventually burn out so there is no point in worrying about it. 308's have a very long barrel life. Get the most out of the round you're shooting and enjoy the rifle.
I'm getting right at 2800 with 168's and AR Comp and I expect the barrel to last at least 6k rounds.
I was just curious because I plan on having a proof carbon barrel spun up for the next one. Unless things have changed, they take a few months to make a barrel. Then a gunsmith has to thread it and install it.
I was just getting an idea of when I should start this process. Sounds like the stock barrel should last me for a while.
I was just getting an idea of when I should start this process. Sounds like the stock barrel should last me for a while.
IME 155's@3Kfps in 24" barrel..... about 4 - 4.5K rounds, depending on your strings of fire and your accuracy expectation. A longer barrel will allow you to run lower pressures which will give you longer barrel life.
It's an interesting question. Barrel life isnt always determined by speed or shot string frequency. Lbs of powder and bore size is loosely figured in also. Big case/small bore is hard on stuff, think 22-243 middlestead. On the other hand, 6.5 creed is usually good for 3000rds @2825fps of accurate barrel life. I honestly think that the bigger bore/ larger faster powder charge/ higher speed of the 155palma bullet is gonna be around 3000-3500rds of equivalent accuracy of a 6.5creed/260rem. I think anymore or any less life than that will be determined by string of fire rate, ambient temp, and type of powder( single vs. double base).
