I have a bergara 5.5 contour barrel chambered in 6.5prc. I absolutely love shooting my gun. I’ve had it for about 8 months and have shot nearly 500 rounds through it. The thing that makes me sick is the barrel life (roughly 2000 shots). Is there anything that can help extend the life of barrels? I clean it every 40 shots or so, I shoot 5 rounds then let the barrel cool completely before shooting my next group. I’m wondering if shooting certain bullets may help with barrel life. I shoot eldx 143 grain. Do you know if copper or, any others may be easier on the barrel? If you have any other tips for extending barrel life that would be much appreciated. Thank you
I’ve never heard of type of bullet making a difference at all. The big thing that does make a difference is powder volume. Therefore, if you’re a reloader, a lot of them will often find a mild load with a lower powder charge in order to help preserve Barrel life. Otherwise you’re doing exactly what you need to, don’t overheat.
Jim did a video recently with Bergara about 6.5 prc they discussed barrel life proper barrel cleaning and maintenance. Bergara uses 6.5 creedmoor at their long range school 8000 rounds still accurate, carbon barrels now pushing 4000 rounds.
I hope someone comes out with some sort of protection/coating/whatever for the throat on barrels someday. There’s a few cartridges I’d love to have but just won’t touch because of the barrel life.
By far, the most important thing for barrel life is not shooting it hot. Talked to a very experienced engineer in the industry the other day that has a 6.5 Creed going on 8,000 shots and it’s still a tack driver. Some other people could burn out the same barrel in 2,000 or 3,000 shots if you’re shooting lots of very fast strings of fire.
I say don’t give it another thought. Few shooters pull triggers enough to burn barrels. If you do, you’re using your purchase to the max. A new barrel is $900 for the best of the best.
I’d like to get into down the road. Thank you for your response