Barrel life 223

[Chopper]

I would be interested in finding out the barrel life of some of you out there as it was stated in a topic that the life could be less than 308 i have been shooting many 223 barrels but not past approx 1000-1500 rounds as most were for testing load and groups lets here youre say thanks CHOP

[mitchellchandler_au]

Hi Chop,

I have a MAB which has done around 2500 rounds since 2001, the other day I was load testing new brass and got a 5 shot group of around .350 at 100 metres. So I assume I can get to 5000 like the 308 (I hope)

see ya around,
mitchell

[littlebang556]

Chop,

This sounds like it's going to be another of those bragging threads...
My .223 shot 100.20 @ 600y for shots 1643 to 1662 or 3" group there abouts (left half of V in fullbore).
And it doesn't look like fading.
If anything I believe that the shooters accuracy fades faster than the life of the barrel at times...in other words we have our good days and our bad and sometimes we tend to blame the tools where we are able...not that this is always the case.
Having said this, I have already ordered another "just in case"

Regards

Littlebang556 Rob

[pjifl]

I would be surprised if you do not get over 3000 from a 223 barrel. Possibly more. One of mine I took to 4000 but accuracy was declining.

Unless loads are extremely hot it will easily do 2000. Possibly 3000. Some people do run them very hot.

Of course it depends a lot on what accuracy you deem acceptable when 'worn out'

Its a little case using a small amount of powder, after all.

Peter Smith.

[bruce talty]

I would be interested in finding out the barrel life of some of you out there as it was stated in a topic that the life could be less than 308 i have been shooting many 223 barrels but not past approx 1000-1500 rounds as most were for testing load and groups lets here youre say thanks CHOP

Hi mine will not shoot 80 grain SMK any more, it has had over 1500 rounds through it i am going to try some 69 SMK they might still shoot, the throat has only moved forward .010" from when it was first chambered but the rifling has no corners on it for about .25". I am going to get it rechambered as it has a long reinforce which will bring it back to 28". Bruce

[mike H]

Have two .223 rifles.Number 1 has a 26'' Tobler barrel.Re-chambered@4214 rounds,presently resting @4,445 rounds.Last shoot at an OPM gave56,56&57 at 300,500&600 yds.With no 4's.About my average.However it does't group as well as my number 2 rifle.22to28 millimetre for 12 shot groups.
No2 rifle has a 28'' Tobler barrel.Not sure of its mileage.Had not been used a lot,I was told.Have put 1,080 through it,since purchase.So maybe 1,500 rds.or more. Still shooting well.Hoping to get another 1,500 accurate rds.,out of it.
Mike.

[Malcolm Hill]

Have a couple of .223 rifles, first one MAB conversion on an Omark. Fired just over 2600 rounds - still shoots 60's easily if the wind dosn't have a say. Last group testing (at around 2500 rounds) with 80 gn. SMK at 300 yards gave around 1.5 inch average. Surprised to read that Bruce can't get the 80 gn. SMK to shoot after 1500 rounds. Accuracy with my .223 doesn't seem to be dropping off at this stage. Load used is 25gns. 2208.
Second rifle just getting sorted has MAB 29 inch in MAB adapter in Omark. Load testing at 300 yards after about 100 rounds has given several groups under 3/4 of an inch with 80gn. SMK and 25.2 to 25.4 grains 2208. Shows plenty of promise so will monitor performance and barrel wear with the slightly warmer loads. I would expect a .223 to give 4000 rounds of acceptable accuracy with these type of loads given proper care and cleaning and talking to others that have been using them for longer than I.
Malcolm Hill