I have read more than one article over the years on Rimfire rifle competitors, and the replacement of their rifle barrels. One article years ago suggested that a rifle barrel, (Anschutz, Winchester 52, etc) should be replaced about every 6000 to 8000 rounds to maintain top accuracy. Another article touted that after about 6000 rounds they would pull the barrel, cut off the chamber end, re-chamber it and re-install and it would be good for another 6000 rounds or so. Keep in mind these were all top competitors, and the only ammo used was top of the line standard velocity.

Now I had an Anschutz match rifle, and it was vintage of 1973, and it had been used by one high school rifle team competitor for 4 years, I bought and my son used it for 4 years on the rifle team, and I used it for outdoor 100 yard prone matches. Based on 500 rounds a week for 24 weeks per year for the HS Team shooters times 4 years each equals about 96,000 rounds, and I probably put maybe 1000 rounds a year through it for 5-6 years for an estimated total of around 100,000 rounds. The last time I shot it it would still hold a 1/4" at 100 yards.

The only barrel I've ever replaced was a 22-250 Varmint barrel after about 6-7000 rounds of 55 gr. Nosler's at 3650 fps (and sometimes in rapid sequence at Prairie dogs) and the 6" in front of the chamber was toast.

My opinion is heat and velocity burn out a barrel.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244