How long before you give up on a barrel?

[Dan877]

I bought a second-hand but unfired AR-15 barrel in 6x45 that I haven't yet found any load that will get anywhere close to 1" at 100 yards. I've tried bullets ranging from 65gr to 85gr with 4 different powders with most loads doing good to get 1-1/2" groups. I've got about 160 rounds through it so far, hoping that eventually it will "settle down" as people say many barrels will and find something that will get me at least close to MOA. I checked the crown and all else that I know how to or have the tools to check and everything looks ok. How long would you keep trying before you give up on it? Or if it's not close to MOA by now is it unlikely it will ever get there?

On the bright side, I bought it in a large lot of AR parts and after averaging out the price I paid for the whole lot the barrel only cost me $85, so if it's just a junker I'm not out that much.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

This is just my opinion, worth every penny you paid for it...

Assuming the barrel is Chrome Moly, I wouldn't bother going past 200 rounds if it is MOA+.

I had a CM barrel a little bit back that would shoot 1 group around 5/8" and then the next 2.25" After 125 rounds, it got spun off as I was certain it wasn't going to shoot. The Hart SS barrel that replaced it was 1/2" for the first 5 rounds out of the tube (cleaning in between) and has never looked back. This was a bolt gun.

If it were me, I wouldn't waste the components if it won't shoot 1 MOA even out of an AR. Do check all the standard AR culprits (I understand that the gas tube touching the barrel nut can be catastrophic for accuracy).

If it is of an appropriate profile, someone shooting close range practical rifle would probably want it even if it isn't very accurate. You could possibly get your $85 back...

 

[Rustystud]

If you have a known starting load for a given cartridge. And yyou have no stock/bedding issues. It should should shoot 1.moa or better froim the get go. If you have got to 1. moa in 100 rounds you have a problem.
Nat Lambeth

 

[ebb]

I wouldnt give up till i borescoped it. I had col billy build a 223 and was ready to beat it up against a tree till i took the brand new scope off and tried my nightforce on it. I has shot some very nice groups now that the scope works. Some less than a 1/4 inch. I tried loads had a friend take the barrel out and micked every thing, all it needed was a scope that held zero. The borescope will usually tell if its the barrel, then you arent guessing.