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

You're safe. Just don't bang off the rest of a box as fast as you can. In High Power competition we shoot 2 sighters, then 2 10 shot groups in 60 or 70 seconds each all while being out in 100 degree heat in August. Barrels still last 4 to 6000 rounds.

Huntsalot,

In my mind, it all depends on what round you are shooting. If your shooting one of the 308 class rounds, you are on the safer side.

If you are shooting a round with a 100 gr capacity or even 75 grains, if you can not hold the barrel without discomfort, I would say your barrel is to hot and doing this repeatedly will shorten your usable barrel life.

Take a 300 RUM for example and fire it three times in a sporter rifle and the barrel will be to hot to hold. Take a 308 and shoot it 5 times and it will still be cooler then the 300 RUM barrel was.

What round are you shooting!

50

Fiftydriver is correct, I was refering to 223 and 308 class rounds. Just don't get it too hot to touch. I saw a marine get BRANDED ON THE NECK by the barrel of his M-14 when he grabbed his gear off the line while shooting in Puerto Rico once.