Remington 700 30-06 Barrel Life

[ZBill]

So far, I have only had military surplus 30-06's rifles and read that they were designed to shoot a LOT of 30-06 rounds so I don't worry about shooting 50 rounds when I take one to the range. A friend takes his Remington 700 30-06(1971 manufacture) and shoots 10 rounds and calls it quits and he says if he shoots more he will shoot out his barrel. Is he right in that he risks shooting out the 700 barrel? He asked that I ask the forum. Thank you, Bill

 

[General Geoff]

If he only shoots 10 rounds per session, he might be wearing is barrel down more by cleaning it between sessions than the actual shooting.

Depending on the material the barrel's made of, it should last many thousands of rounds before any slight decrease in accuracy is detected. And it'll last several thousand rounds more past that, if you don't mind an extra 1/4" in your 100 yard groups.

 

[eldon519]

It depends on a lot of things. The ammo used would be one. The cleaning regimen would be another (you can really wear a barrel down with bad cleaning habits). If he shoots it while it's really hot or lets it cool between shots. What kind of accuracy he demands from it. How often he shoots it. The list goes on...

If he's just using it for hunting, I doubt he'll ever shoot it out. Besides, it's not that hard to get a replacement barrel installed. I'd say enjoy the gun and if it gets shot out, just replace the barrel. For hunting accuracy, I'd guess it could take AT LEAST 5000 rounds. Hell, I'd even be willing to bet it could do 10,000 and still shoot 2" groups.

I don't know how good of a shooter your buddy is either, but I'd say more practice would probably be more beneficial than detrimental. I sub-MOA gun isn't much use to someone who can't do better than 6" groups (not that your friend can't, just pointing out my reasoning).

 

[glockman19]

I wouldn't worry about shooting out the barrel. It should be good for at least 10,000 rounds most likeky many thousands more.

 

[ZBill]

Thank you for the input...

from your responses it appears that he is worrying about a problem that will not occur. I am sure he will be pleased to hear this message. Thanks again for the input, Bill