Time for a new barrel?

[Mr.Snerdly]

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.

[wbm]

Any idea how many rounds through the 243?

[Dave Hoback]

Crazy cold bore first shot?

[Mr.Snerdly]

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

[GrenGuy]

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.

[Fuj']

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.

[Dave Hoback]

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.