LRHWAL
Well-Known Member
I tend to shoot my 300 WM quite a bit. We need to participate regularly in shooting events to motivate firearm licences here in South Africa and for quite some time this was my only rifle. Between that and high ambient temperatures I suspect I've not treated my barrel as well as I could have over the years.
When doing load development I've tried shooting slowly (not a luxury I have in the required shoots), but even 5 minutes between shots and three shot groups and lots of waiting, leaves the barrel gets really hot. On hot days keeping the barrel cool is basically impossible.
In fact the sun can take care of the too hot to touch requirement without firing a shot when the rifle is in the sun on the shooting line, or in the hunting field.
I recall seeing a system in a Shooting Times in the 90's tested by Rick Jamieson that he used to cool a rifle barrel. I've also heard of guys using CO2 cylinders etc.
I'm looking for a simpler (and cheaper alternative). The question is whether I can use water to cool a barrel without risk of warping and other damage. I would not use ice water. Any thoughts on this?
I think it will save me some barrel life and whilst possibly not on this barrel, certainly on the next!
Thanks for any suggestions.
WAL
When doing load development I've tried shooting slowly (not a luxury I have in the required shoots), but even 5 minutes between shots and three shot groups and lots of waiting, leaves the barrel gets really hot. On hot days keeping the barrel cool is basically impossible.
In fact the sun can take care of the too hot to touch requirement without firing a shot when the rifle is in the sun on the shooting line, or in the hunting field.
I recall seeing a system in a Shooting Times in the 90's tested by Rick Jamieson that he used to cool a rifle barrel. I've also heard of guys using CO2 cylinders etc.
I'm looking for a simpler (and cheaper alternative). The question is whether I can use water to cool a barrel without risk of warping and other damage. I would not use ice water. Any thoughts on this?
I think it will save me some barrel life and whilst possibly not on this barrel, certainly on the next!
Thanks for any suggestions.
WAL