As probably with most year long shooters, I keep a precise record of the number of rounds fired through each rifle. This is not a study by any means but I will share the following data:
1. Had 222 Rem Model 700 with over 5,000 rounds through it. It still held a 1 1/2" at 100 yards. But because it was varmint rifle I rebarrelled to a 223 to get the groups down to the 1/2 moa range which is my preferred standard for a varmint rife.
2. Most of my 223's bolt rifles have between 1,000 to 3,000 rounds through them, all are shooting well under 1" at 100 yards.
3. I have a Rem 700 243 that currently has 3,749 rounds through it. Still holds 1 3/4" at 100 yards, good enough for deer rifle under the conditions I hunt but I plan to rebarrel this year. I like small groups too.
4. I had a 243 Rem 7 that had over 2,000 round through if I remember correctly. It still held about 1 1/2 to 2" at 100 yards but I started getting extreme flyers. Maybe it wore quickly due to the pencil thin factory barrel that heated quickly although I let the barrel cool between shots. I rebarrelled to a thicker barrel - it's a 1/2 moa rifle now.
5. My 308's have between 1000 and 300 rounds through them. Haven't seen any loss in accuracy but I don't shoot them
as much anymore.
6. My 22 250 started to open up after 2000 rounds and was no longer suitable for varmint hunting. I didn't rebarrel since I don't use a 22 250 anymore.
Note: I avoid shooting a hot barrel but somethings hot barrel shots are necessary in a hunting situation. I let the barrel cool between practice shots. Since I'm primarily a varmint / predator / deer hunter the cold barrel shot means the most to me. Also, I don't load to max. I clean after every 30 rounds using a rod guide and Dewey coated rod.
Obviously the requirements for a hunting rifle and the use is different than a target competition rifle so take that into account.
