Barrel life for 20 VT

[nr123]

Wondering what kind of barrel life you're getting from your 20 VT? I have a Cooper Mdl 21 that I use mostly for prairie dogs. My last trip (a few days ago), pushed my round count to 3200+. I'm getting a little concerned about how long this factory barrel will last.

 

[17VLD]

I Love my Coopers and most are still factory barrels,which I think may retain most of the resale value if that’s your concern.One of my Cooper 20 VTs has been changed to a custom barrel, but that was not from necessity just got a great deal on it.Being a pd shooter I would prepare for the future and order an 11 twist now.
Probably one of the best pd rounds ever conceived.Also thinking if you don’t have a Teslong borescope yet,I’d consider getting one as it will either put your mind at rest or confirm what you are thinking.Heck you may get 6000 out of it with moderate loads and good cleaning.The great thing about the VT is the small amount of powder it burns, it takes awhile to get it hot.Wish I had a more definitive answer for you,lots of variables to consider.I know how I get in dogtown, it’s tough to stop and switch rifles sometimes.
Matt

 

[Bill K]

If your are not overheating it and it is still shooting accurate grouping and/or hits, why be concerned ? Just keep shooting and enjoy the little VT and look around for a new barrel, when it starts showing less accruacy.

 

[B23]

If your are not overheating it and it is still shooting accurate grouping and/or hits, why be concerned ? Just keep shooting and enjoy the little VT and look around for a new barrel, when it starts showing less accruacy.

What Bill said. One of the big things that torches a throat is not only getting them hot but getting them hot and you keep banging away shooting it. That's why there is no real definitive answer as to how many rounds barrels last with any given cartridge because it has so much to do with how the person/s treated it.

Until it starts shooting really poorly and nothing seems to help, I don't think I'd be to concerned about it.

 

[JSH]

Gent that talked me into mine had 10k through his and still going strong. He runs 32-34 grain bullets. He uses AA2200, said he used a pile of leftover odds and ends of powders over the years.
I had Mcgowen make me a prefit.

 

[searcher]

I agree with 17VLD. I'd expect 6,000 rounds unless you get barrel too hot to hold the barrel. Your accuracy might drop 1/8 MOA at that count - but shouldn't drop off a cliff.

 

[DogBuster]

Shot a 12 twist Pac Nor for years......years

Retired it a few years back...sold it here IIRC

Prob had 8-9K rds out

Sweet cartridge...iffin I were't so damm old

I'd build another barrel

Pic....20 VT in action

Prob kilt a ton of p/dogs with it

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Again, no definitive answer, just my experience so far with my Cooper M38 20VT.
At present, it's got 3,800 rounds downrange with no degradation of accuracy whatsoever, still shooting right at 1/4" @ 100. I'm using only 32gr bullets and RL-7.

Haven't gone out for PD's for a few years due to fuel prices and plague reports, but it gets the snot shot out of it at ground squirrels and rock chucks all spring.



Not sure what I'll do when it's time to rebarrel, as with Cooper sort of 'up in the air' so to speak, a factory rebarrel is now questionable. I've had stellar luck with Pac-Nor, so it'll most likely be called upon for that new tube when the time comes......and that time still seems quite a way off by the way it's still shooting.