Safe barrel temperature?

[Nephthys]

(Sorry if this has been asked before in other threads, my search of the forum turned up a lot of result for barrel temperatures but nothing I saw that pertained)

Is there a general range of operating temperature to stay in or out of? I understand equipment makes a difference, and when the mirage is making everything you see downrange do a bellydance, it's probably a little too hot, but at what point does that whole "way too hot" range start and begin being really bad for a barrel (premature wear and whatnot)?

I'm taking a long range training class this weekend, and the weather forecast isn't very favorable (Sac valley, triple digits), and figured that narrow window of safe - too hot will be relatively smaller for if/when we start shooting.

For the sake of my case, my equipment is pretty basic:
- stock Ruger Precision, 6.5cm (the factory barrel is a 24", 1:8 twist 5r, if it matters)
- Hornady factory 140gn
I've also got one of those Barrel Cool flag fans, and those temperature strips that came with it on the barrel as close to the chamber as possible. I know it's hotter inside the barrel than on the outside, I'll probably (if I can remember to) bring a laser temp reader as well to shoot into the chamber as far as I can to hopefully get a reading on the barrel.

Thanks, and again, sorry if this has been asked before

[Bicky]

If it feels hot to the touch, rather than just warm, I take a break.

[LynnJr]

Keep it below 140 for best accuracy. There is some testing on Benchrest Central but it would be about 10 years old now. I think the testing was done by Arizona Ammo or Thunderbird Cartridge Company but don't quote me on which one.

Coincidentally 140-150 is about all you grab with your hand before being very uncomfortable.

[Nephthys]

Sounds good, thanks for the info LynnJr.

[langss]

As posted above, but if its a really hot day, depending on "Caliber", you won't make it through a box of 20, consecutive shots without it being to hot to touch.

[Divernhunter]

^^^ and some rifles cannot shoot more than 3-5 "cartridges" and be too hot to hold and it is time to let it cool and shoot another rifle.

[MongooseV8]

I can tell you from experience 130* F is the max temp anyone can quickly touch unless you are a grizzled welder. I work in an environment where everything is hot and under high pressures and 140-150* F will burn most people.

But I agree if its too hot to touch let it cool off.

[plumbum]

Just wrap a raw piece of bacon around your barrel - quit shooting when it starts to smell delicious!

[langss]

Just wrap a raw piece of bacon around your barrel - quit shooting when it starts to smell delicious!

Now there is an idea. If you put a plate under the barrel and collect the drippings, you have fresh lube that smells good to......

[sigstroker]

[Nephthys]

Just wrap a raw piece of bacon around your barrel - quit shooting when it starts to smell delicious!

lol, I'm gonna be really well liked at this class when I do this

[hambam105]

One of the first things I learned on the rifle range was the adage, "When You're Hot Shoot A Lot".

[diver160651]

I'm taking a long range training class this weekend,

While guys like Lynn and others provided solid answers to your questions, I have a question.

What does it matter if your barrel is getting hot, but the COF, class, or whatever dictates the rate of fire?

Your gun isn't going to contend with the newly shot BR 1K record; You're there to learn and barrels are expendable. I'd worry more about what you can learn from your class and working the fundamentals than dealing with lazer temp devices.

BTW, with your RPR, the hand-guard will not let you touch the barrel an do the "hot hand test" anyway.

just my 2 cents

[LynnJr]

Diver raises a very interesting point.
First you can buy heat strips from Sinclair International that stick onto the barrel and let you know what the temperature is.

The course of fire will dictate the cartridges that will work for each discipline.
In 1000 yard Benchrest the lightguns shoot 5 rounds on the west coast. In F-Class you will fire 20 rounds and barrel heat means you need a cartridge that is accurate but won't eat up the barrels throat.

[Stumpfenhammer]

While guys like Lynn and others provided solid answers to your questions, I have a question.

What does it matter if your barrel is getting hot, but the COF, class, or whatever dictates the rate of fire?

Your gun isn't going to contend with the newly shot BR 1K record; You're there to learn and barrels are expendable. I'd worry more about what you can learn from your class and working the fundamentals than dealing with lazer temp devices.

BTW, with your RPR, the hand-guard will not let you touch the barrel an do the "hot hand test" anyway.

just my 2 cents

This gentleman's 2 cents are the ones to go with. I've never been in a long-range class (or a prs match) where the firing tempo would smoke a barrel, especially with 6.5CM. The most likely chance of damage will be from over cleaning or leaving ammonia based cleaners in too long. Who's putting on the class if you don't mind sharing?

The RPR is an excellent rifle for the investment. Have fun!