Hey, I'm new here but have been reading around on the forums for quite awhile. I've had a Savage 116 chambered in 7mmRM for about 2 years now, and I just upgraded to a Shilen BBL in the same chambering.
My concern is that 7mmRM tends to burn out barrels quite quickly in comparison with .308 et al, and that I may or may not be doing what I need to do to maximize my barrel life while not sacrificing the accuracy of my handloads.
I currently reload Berger 168 VLD's around 3015 fps, but I would like to know if there is another bullet choice that will enable me to elongate my new (and quite expensive) barrel's life.
So, I have two questions:
1. How many rounds should I expect to get out of this barrel before the accuracy of the rifle starts to deteriorate (i.e. the rifle stops shooting sub 3/4 minute, which it is capable of now)?
2. Could I go to a heavier bullet to decrease the amount of powder in my loads (and decrease the muzzle velocity just a tad) to increase my expected barrel life?
I've tried to Google this issue and I've searched around on the forums here with no hits that really apply to what I'm asking.
Also a quick note: I have been loading 168 gr Bergers since I got the rifle. I would be willing to try another bullet that you all suggest, especially since I RARELY shoot past 400 meters. I'm planning on shooting out to 1600 at some point, but I just don't have access to a long enough range here in Kentucky.
Thanks for your time,
jonesy
My concern is that 7mmRM tends to burn out barrels quite quickly in comparison with .308 et al, and that I may or may not be doing what I need to do to maximize my barrel life while not sacrificing the accuracy of my handloads.
I currently reload Berger 168 VLD's around 3015 fps, but I would like to know if there is another bullet choice that will enable me to elongate my new (and quite expensive) barrel's life.
So, I have two questions:
1. How many rounds should I expect to get out of this barrel before the accuracy of the rifle starts to deteriorate (i.e. the rifle stops shooting sub 3/4 minute, which it is capable of now)?
2. Could I go to a heavier bullet to decrease the amount of powder in my loads (and decrease the muzzle velocity just a tad) to increase my expected barrel life?
I've tried to Google this issue and I've searched around on the forums here with no hits that really apply to what I'm asking.
Also a quick note: I have been loading 168 gr Bergers since I got the rifle. I would be willing to try another bullet that you all suggest, especially since I RARELY shoot past 400 meters. I'm planning on shooting out to 1600 at some point, but I just don't have access to a long enough range here in Kentucky.
Thanks for your time,
jonesy