Do Older Barrels Get Worse Copper Fouling?

peeplwtchr · Nov 29, 2020

Hi All-

Ive recently noticed copper fouling increasing in a .223 barrel as I shoot it more and more. The accuracy is about .5-1 MOA larger now too. Also, now it takes about 40 passes of a new copper brush to get the carbon out. I must've used 50 patches today. It's a pencil barrel that came with the M&P 15.

It's got about 7k rounds through it, half of it shot in 110+ heat. It was my first AR, so I didn't know what I do now about how to not fry a barrel.

Time for a new barrel?

Thanks

Nature Boy · Nov 29, 2020

At 7k down the pipe you’ve definitely gotten your money’s worth out of it.

I’d say it’s time for a new barrel

Laphroaig · Nov 29, 2020

As barrels get older the throat gets eroded and develops fire cracking, which is probably the major source of your fouling issues. Ya, I'd say that you got your moneys worth.

peeplwtchr · Nov 29, 2020

With a borescope I saw deformity under the feedramps, there was an area that was melted out. Can't be good. Next solution is .223 Wylde, heavy, cold hammer forged, chrome lined. Any other suggestions?

Project355 · Nov 29, 2020

Stainless?

peeplwtchr · Nov 29, 2020

Project355 said:
Stainless?

Thanks, but not sure what you're asking. Can you clarify pls?

Project355 · Nov 30, 2020

Wondering if maybe a stainless barrel would be on your replacement criteria lost too. They are usually touted as more erosion resistant.

JDGray · Nov 30, 2020

Mag dumps, overheating will shorten the life of any bbl. Just buy what you need, accuracy wise, take better care of it

Do Older Barrels Get Worse Copper Fouling?

peeplwtchr

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Nature Boy

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Laphroaig

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peeplwtchr

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Project355

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peeplwtchr

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JDGray

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