Time for a new barrel?

**charlie b** · 06-12-2022, 09:17 AM

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.

**Mr.Snerdly** · 06-12-2022, 12:44 PM

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.

**GaCop** · 06-13-2022, 06:18 AM

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.

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.

**GaCop** · 06-13-2022, 06:14 AM

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.

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.