Re: HS Precision Throat Erosion
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mosquito</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hello all, I have over 1,000 rounds in my HS Precision HTR in 308 and today I noticed with my Hornady Overall Length Gauge that the bullet appears to be .020 longer in order to engage the lands than when new. Throat erosion of .020 basically. It is only six months old and again 1,000 rounds shot through. I have ridden this thing hard in only six months but my question is, is this rate of erosion normal? It seems to be retaining its accuracy but will I need to ditch the barrel soon? Ive heard some say these 308 barrels can go for 10,000 rounds. I am beginning to doubt that. At least while retaining the 1/2 MOA accuracy it currently has. Thoughts?</div></div>
As noted there can be some variation in measurements. You have to use the same tool to measure each time. That includes the same bullet if you use it as part of the tool. Better to get an ogive comparator then you have the same tool each time for that. Also, while it may seem extreme that's only twice what Victor in TN uses as a comparison for a Bench gun. Bench guns have to hold a lot tighter accuracy than a tactical gun. Even though they still need to be very consistent.
I would take a look at WHY you think you are getting so much erosion. Powder, bullet, load pressure, and time between strings all come to mind. Can you think of a way to reduce it but still maintain adequate velocity? Are you hopping it up for too much velocity? I know a lot of guys who are very proud of the fact that they can get 2700 out of a 168, or 2650 with a 175 gr. bullet. The point is to make it consistent and if you have to back off then you'll extend barrel life. It may mean calling more wind and trajectory than you think you need to, but again barrel life is one of those consistency things to think about.
FWIW, I have a 30-06 with the throat eroded .250"+. It still shoots sub MOA @ 300. I'm not going to change the barrel or set it back until it won't shoot anymore. It's so eroded I can't seat a Berger 210 to the lands and have it in the case.