OK, another question...

[HUNTING5150]

Obviously, when a barrel begins to warm up, and/or get hot from numerous rounds being shot through it, the accuracy or point of impact will change.
My question is, when sighting in your rifle, how many shots can you put through your rifle before you should let the rifle/barrel cool. How long do you let it cool for? Any and all information is appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Bubblehide]

I usually shoot 3 rounds with a couple minutes between each round. I then pull the bolt out for cooling of anywhere from 5 minutes, to 15. The more I shoot, the longer the cooling periods get.

For hunting purposes, I am almost always shooting from a cold barrel. And in many rifles, a cold barrel will shoot slightly different than a warm barrel, a hot barrel simply is not consistent. Thus, for hunting purposes, I want to know that I am sighted in with a cold barrel; so it generally takes several trips to the range.

However, the number of rounds you can safely put through a barrel, depends on the barrel, the steel, the thickness... In general, I would say you can safely shoot 10 rounds at a time, with a minute or two between rounds. Personally, I think that patience goes a long way when shooting, as does taking your time. Simply, the more relaxed you are, the better shooter you will be. Eventually, you can work up to being both relaxed and fast.

 

[HUNTING5150]

Thanks for the info., it really helps reinforce what i think is going on. I truly agree with the being patient part, its hard to be patient but necessary. Thanks again.

 

[Val]

I place my hand around the barrel. If it's comfortable to hold your hand on the barrel I continue to shoot. If not, I let it cool and use to the hand around the barrel test.

 

[Val]

The number of shots varies by barrel type and length (bull barrel, sporter barrel, etc.) and the caliber being shot. I wrap my hand around the barrel and if it is to hot to hold I let it cool. When I can comfortably hold the barrel again I start shooting again. I think this a conservative approach that will preclude barrel and chamber damage due to heating.