Throat erosion

[Wolfshead]

I’m requesting the expertise of you more knowledgeable than I.
Shooting my .308 Winchester.
I’ve gone from shooting 150 grain Nosler Accubonds with Varget, at approximately 2750 fps, to shooting 130 grain Barnes ttsx’s with TAC, at approximately 3200 fps.
Should I have a concern about throat erosion shooting the 130s at 3200 fps?
Both have been very good for me, and I like the idea of no lead in my game meat.
But I don’t like the idea of burning out my barrel, and I would like to know more, and have a better understanding of this.

 

[highoctane]

There are several factors that lead to throat erosion, not just velocity. However, there is no way to stop it. Over-heating the barrel is a sure fire way to exacerbate erosion, using double base powders, they burn hotter, among other things. Burning copious amounts of powder, which the 308 does not do. I know it sounds strange but powders have different burning temps. There's really too much about this subject to put here.

Good news, your 308 is a highly efficient, non over bore cartridge that will give you thousands of rounds without issues. I wouldn't worry one minute about throat erosion in your 308

 

[wvbuckbuster]

Unless you are shooting hundreds of rounds per year, your 308 will last years. Most hunters rarely shoot out a barrel.

 

[JN270]

Unlikely to have issues with the change in your load in your 308. Not overheating your barrel will help.

 

[RL338]

308 Win. is easy on barrels as long as you don’t overheat the barrel.

 

[Wolfshead]

Thank you all that makes me feel much better

 

[salmonchaser]

I shot my duty 308s realistically once a week, any where from 5 to typically not more than 20 rounds in a session. Once a year I would go to training and shoot 1,000 rounds. The Remington 700 went 4000 rounds. Accuracy international well over 5000, HS precision had about 5000 and I know was rebarreled. All of that was either Federal Match 168gr or Varget and 168gr match bullets. Velocity was typically around 2650 as I recall.
The 308 will last you a long time even if you shoot very regularly.

 

[Guy Miner]

Pretty much the same experience as Salmonchaser. He and I had similar duties and rifles.

I re-barreled my Remington at about 4,500 rounds though it was still shooting well, but I wanted to upgrade to a Krieger. Never regretted that. Still have that 308 and it still shoots great.

Also re-barreled my match rifle several times, usually at around 6,000 rounds when the X count in matches started dropping off. Three barrels on that Winchester rifle I think. Eventually sold the rifle.

308's are rather kind and gentle on rifle barrels. You should be good for a very long time.

Regards, Guy