Time for a new barrel?

My Model 10 243 is shooting erratically. Tonight I shot a couple groups and the first shot was way high, probably 2" higher than I thought I had it. Next four were within 15/16", about where they should be. I didn't think I screwed up the first shot but thought it was p0ssible. Let the gun cool, started another group. Same thing, first one was way high, next four were within 3/4 " and where they should be. Let it cool again and shot one more time. Way high again. I believe someone on this board said when a barrel is going the trip that is what they do, correct? It has been quite some time since I cleaned it and one other time I was unhappy with it and cleaning helped but it just had larger groups, not one completely out of the group. What do you think?

I do have a 7MM-08 barrel I could change it to.

Any idea how many rounds through the 243?

Crazy cold bore first shot? :confused:

I would estimate 1800-2000. I think that would be close but I haven't really kept a record.

That’s a lot on a 243. Yes, Your barrel could be toast. As much as You shoot, You deserve a borescope, if You don’t already have one. I got one for $65 off Amazon that does all I need it to do. I would clean the barrel down to bare metal before giving up on it. Only way You’ll know that is with a bore scope.

Sometimes a simple muzzle touch up will bring it back, but with your round count,
It's better then anything that your throat and lead is washed out. Have to use a bore
scope to see if there is any fire cracking which I bet there is. If not, you could have the
barrel set back and re touch the muzzle. Going this route, I'd pitch the barrel, myself
and start with a clean slate.

You already have a 7mm-08 barrel. Just go with that. With around 2K rounds in the 243 barrel, it’s not exactly a picture of youthful.

I'd put on the new barrel too. One of the reasons I never wanted a .243 or other over bore cartridge.

My .308 likes to shoot from a cool barrel. When it gets hot it slings them all over. Problem is out here during summer barrel gets hot and stays hot. Even in the shade.

I noticed the last few times before the groups weren't as tight as they used to be but I figured maybe I just had a bad day but it was so obvious yesterday I knew something was wrong. I have a lot of 243 brass and bullets for it, kind of a waste but maybe I can do something with them. I think a 7MM-08 would have a longer barrel life, probably between a 243 and 308. I never loaded maximum loads and was always careful not to get it overly hot but I know a 243 is not the best for barrel life. I imagine I might have to buy a wrench and firgure out how to hold the action too. I might be able to cobble something together or fabricate something. I hate spending money foolishly.

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Originally Posted by charlie b

I'd put on the new barrel too. One of the reasons I never wanted a .243 or other over bore cartridge.

My .308 likes to shoot from a cool barrel. When it gets hot it slings them all over. Problem is out here during summer barrel gets hot and stays hot. Even in the shade.

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Same issue here in Georgia. I have to let my 308 sporter cool for at least 10 minutes between 3 shot groups and our bench area is roofed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr.Snerdly

I noticed the last few times before the groups weren't as tight as they used to be but I figured maybe I just had a bad day but it was so obvious yesterday I knew something was wrong. I have a lot of 243 brass and bullets for it, kind of a waste but maybe I can do something with them. I think a 7MM-08 would have a longer barrel life, probably between a 243 and 308. I never loaded maximum loads and was always careful not to get it overly hot but I know a 243 is not the best for barrel life. I imagine I might have to buy a wrench and figure out how to hold the action too. I might be able to cobble something together or fabricate something. I hate spending money foolishly.

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I converted my Wheeler barrel vice to and action vice years ago. I use a cut action screw in the barrel ring that enters a corresponding hole in my oak block. That keeps the action from twisting.