204 ruger barrel life? Is it a burner?

[mrming]

Well, have a savage sitting in my safe with a worn out barrel. Started life as a 22/250 and was grouping down around a half inch.


3k rounds later (it liked hot loads with a 50 grainer) and it sticks a bit under 2 MOA. I'd been good and used a bore guide, even fire-lapped the rifling. I can tell from a visual inspect that the rifling is badly worn, doubt that this was just throat erosion..

So, its time to rebarrel. Whats the word on 204 ruger barrel life? I'd like to get at least 5k out of it before accuracy starts to fall off. I have a 17 hmr so 22 hornet isn't all that interesting.. i'm guessing if 204 looks to be short I'll end up putting a 260 pipe on it.

I've heard a few say 204 has 'good' barrel life, but no quantative number after it. If any one has experience, please speak up!

 

[Outlaws]

Its on par with a 223.

 

[stubbicatt]

To the original poster, you could conceiveably have the barrel chamber cut down about an inch, rechambered for 22-250, and be back on the road for less than a C note at your local gunsmith. Fresh throat and a proven good barrel.

If you rebarrel to the 204, you will need a different bolt or at least bolt head for the smaller case head.

I'd simply rechamber the barrel you already have and save a bunch of money on everything, including components.

 

[Timthinker]

Not long ago, I started two threads on 4000 fps rifle cartridges that included discussions of "barrel burners". Those threads may provide you with some additional information. I hope this helps.


Timthinker

 

[rangerruck]

no, it is not, the dude above is right, matches up nicely with the 223, comes down to longer neck, powder mix, and case design. it is a nice job of cart making.