Wolf .308 in a bolt gun?

[Peakbagger46]

I am considering using the Wolf steel case ($8.88 a box) for off-hand practice in my bolt action hunting rifle. I know it is dirty to run and won't be as accurate as my reloads, but it is just so nice and cheap and I can shoot it without having to spend all the time loading rounds at the bench.

So... my only real concern is the bi-metal jacket used in these bullets. Will it cause premature barrel wear when shot in a steel (not crome-lined) tube? I have found lots of info stating the bi-metal won't hurt a chrome-lined barrel but don't want to mess up my bolt gun.

 

[WardenWolf]

The jacket won't cause any additional barrel wear. Even steel-based Russian surplus ammo doesn't really accelerate barrel wear. It's perfectly safe to shoot in your rifle. Shoot it and enjoy it.

 

[evan price]

Accuracy won't be that great especially compared to your reloads. It will function fine. Lots of ammo has mild steel bullets, and the barrel steel is much harder.

 

[Peakbagger46]

Thanks guys. This may just be the ticket for cheap off-hand shooting practice. I will of course clean the gun after each range trip.

 

[skipbo32]

i shoot 3 moa in my M1A with wolf. wolf is fine.........ive put 1,000 rds of wolf through my gun. it is dirty.......but come to think of it.........there is no such thing as "clean" ammo. i end up cleaning my gun no matter what ammo i shoot.

have fun with the wolf and bravo to you for picking a cheap ammo. maybe these other companies will lower their prices now that the republicans took back congress.

 

[Kwanger]

Wolf is fine....just don't expect much in terms of accuracy; I agree with skipbo, it is about 3 MOA ammo.

 

[TonyAngel]

Superior Barrels has stated that shooting steel jacketed bullets out of a barrel will accelerate wear, especially at the leading edges of the lands. Personally, I don't worry about it. The barrel is going to get shot out sooner or later.

 

[Maverick223]

Mild steel (as well as other hardened jackets like gilding metal, cupronickel, and bronze) being somewhat harder than copper will cause accelerated wear, but the difference will be virtually indistinguishable and a worthwhile cost (look at the ammo savings) UNLESS you have a match grade or otherwise very costly barrel on the rifle. Accuracy generally varies from dismal to mediocre, but that doesn't mean it is a poor choice, just that the use and performance requirements should be taken into consideration before deciding. IME Barnaul (AKA: Brown Bear, et al) is a better choice for accuracy at little additional cost.

 

[Peakbagger46]

Sounds like I should be good to go. I will post back later with a range report on how this stuff works.

 

[wnycollector]

I agree with skipbo, it is about 3 MOA ammo.

I have put 500 rounds of it through my Ishapore enfield w/o issue. I get a consistent 3 MOA also.

 

[Dr.Rob]

I got really horrible accuracy with Wolf steel cased hunting ammo in 30-06. I wouldn't buy it in bulk to 'try it out'. A box or two and see how it shoots, sure.