.223 Hunting Rifle Life Span

[pvosloo]

Hi guys,

I am looking at buying a second hand Sako L461 .223

I have seen photos of the rifle and it looks well looked after. Its 30 years old. He says it shot more or less 700 through the barrel. Is that a lot or not. What would a normal barrel be able to do?

The rifle is 600km away, would it be worth going to see this rifle?

Thanks guys!!

[gyssie]

What is the rifle selling for, if you don't mind me asking? Maybe have look at a new Howa, unless you really want the Sako. I don't think 700 rounds is a lot for a barrel,but it is a bit of a risk to drive that distance to look at a used rifle. Good Luck!

[Maroelas]

I don't think the 223 cartridge is a barrel burner, it is a small case with a small bullet. Not like a 22-250, large case small bullet, which is a known barrel burner.

I don't think you have to worry about the barrel.

I spoke to a Bisley shot a couple of weeks ago about barrel life. He said the guys pushing bullets very fast (think he mentioned 2900fps for a 308 with 155gr bullet) get around 4000 shots, but if you back it off by about 100fps that same barrel will do 8000 shots.

General hunting firearm I think about 10 000 rounds.

[pvdw]

With 700 rounds fired that gun is still a newby. you can do at least 5000+ even double that.

Peet

[pvosloo]

Thanks guys. I can get it for R12 000. It includes 300 cartridges, 1000 slagpennetjies and a die-set. No scope. I've got a Sako AV 375HH. This L461 would be a nice little brother.

[zakiwi]

I don't think the 223 cartridge is a barrel burner, it is a small case with a small bullet. Not like a 22-250, large case small bullet, which is a known barrel burner.

I don't think you have to worry about the barrel.

I spoke to a Bisley shot a couple of weeks ago about barrel life. He said the guys pushing bullets very fast (think he mentioned 2900fps for a 308 with 155gr bullet) get around 4000 shots, but if you back it off by about 100fps that same barrel will do 8000 shots.

General hunting firearm I think about 10 000 rounds.

What he said ^^^^

Lovely caliber ...

[The Predator]

for that price you can get your self a lovely HOWA, wich is taking over the rifle market at the moment every second personis having and bying one.

[King David]

I'd rather have the old Sako than a new Howa. 700 shots hardly counts from a rifle made by a decent manufacture.

[Vic Moller]

You know what they say about buying a bargain - you sit with the bargain and the other guy sits with your money...

For ~ R1200 in fuel, take a drive to test fire the rifle. Many more factors and things to look for/at, involved in determining if it is worth spending any money on it at all than just the number of shots the seller has supposedly fired through it. If it all checks out then you can sleep easily at night while you wait for the license to come through. If not then at least you save yourself $$$ and a whole lot of regret...

[Gomario]

Is that rifle 30 years old? Was it stored properly? A accuracy test is mandatory regardless how many bullets the seller shot thru that old barel.