Do tracers hurt the gun barrel?

[CAG55]

Hi Guys,
I tried to use the search, but I couldn't find the answer!
I am sure that this question has been asked before!
What do you all think? Correct me if I am wrong. Isn't the phosphorus on the bottom of the bullets, and doesn't it need more air to burn? I was told that the phoshorus doesn't burn untill it leaves the barrel.
Thanks
Greg

 

[oneshot onekill]

Re: Do tracers hurt the gun barrel?

They don't light up until they're well away. No damage to the barrel...

 

[chooter]

Re: Do tracers hurt the gun barrel?

Most tracers that I have run across ARE copper washed steel jacket bullets.(30 cal - never checked 22's) You probably will get more wear from this than any tracer residue.

 

[BCP]

Re: Do tracers hurt the gun barrel?

IIRC the powder that is used in tracer rounds burns much hotter in order to light them - if you buy surplus powder you'll find 844T, 846T etc. That might cause some wear too.

 

[tomcatfan]

Re: Do tracers hurt the gun barrel?

I think the general consensus is they cause more wear (compared to most rounds) on the barrel but they don't "damage" them. I think they would cause much less wear than running hot loads all of the time.

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Re: Do tracers hurt the gun barrel?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Most tracers that I have run across ARE copper washed steel jacket bullets.(30 cal - never checked 22's) You probably will get more wear from this than any tracer residue. </div></div>

I've got USGI M-196 .224" and M-25 .308" tracers here and the jackets are copper, with lead cores. Ergo, there's no added wear to a bore.

I can't speak to ComBloc or ChiCom tracers.

Chris

 

[leadbullet]

Re: Do tracers hurt the gun barrel?

wear: yes, damage: no. The again everyround down the tube causes wear.