Barrel Life

[Inukshuk]

Two small questions. About how many rounds can you do with a 30-06 hunting barrel before it's time to change it? When this is about to happen how do you know when your barrel is finished?

 

[Agunner012]

A 30-06 is not too bad on a barrel, I would say in excess of 3,000 rounds or more (unless you abuse it by overheating it). I have heard of .308 lasting over 5,000 rounds. Most 30-06 chambered hunting rifles last a lifetime, and are handed down without a barrel replacement.

When the groups start opening up that indicates the barrel is going south, (throat area), and can be set back sometimes. However for a hunting rifle, groups opening up a little is nothing much to worry about unless you are hunting at extreme ranges.

Andrew