I was shooting today and went and shot a 5 shot group and then shot 1 more. That is a total of 6 shots from a cool barrel with it about 65 degrees outside. When I felt the barrel to put the gun up it was extremely hot. I could grab it but probably not hold it for over a couple seconds. Is this enough to ruin a barrel with getting it to hot?? Thanks
Brian

Hey Brian, No, you didn't "ruin your barrel" with 6 shots. On the other hand, when a barrel gets too hot to hold, it doesn't do anything to extend the life of it by continuing to shoot it and has the potential to shorten the useful life.

The question of "useful barrel life" means totally different things to everyone you talk to. A Benchrester loosing 0.1" needs medication until the barrel is replaced and if it shoots worse than the one he just took off, it is time for a Straight Jacket.

Talk to a woods hunter whose shots are ALWAYS under 100yds and if the groups open 0.75" it wouldn't matter at all in his ability to kill cleanly.

It does make a difference depending on the cartridge you are using. If you are using a 22Hornet in a single shot, it will be difficult to damage the barrel from too many consecutive shots. Make it a 220Swift or any Magnum and you can damage the "Throat" with repeated shots when the barrel is hot.

Some shooting events require multiple shots in order to compete. Here you will typically see folks using cartridges that meet the minimum requirements. This extends their barrel life and has other benefits ofreduced recoil, etc. But, they may shoot 20-30 consecutive shots with reloading the firearm as partof the event. Here you have no choice about letting the barrel cool.

But, when you are at the Range or plinking, you have all the time in the world. So there is no need at all to allow your barrel to get "too hot to hold". If you can only shoot 3 shots and have to stop, do it. Set the rifle muzzel up with the bolt open and let it cool. Or "clean it" and the Bore Cleaner will hasten the cooling which is what I do. Then pick up a 22rimfire, slip into a Hasty Sling set-up and shoot a few soda cans at 100yds Off Hand.