When to Rebarrel a rifle?

[CAElkhunter]

I have a 300 Ultramag Remington Model 700. I have used it for Elk hunting for 12 years. It has slayed many Elk. I usually put 60 - 80 rounds through it a season with practive and sighting in prior to hunting. I use factory load Nosler partition ammo. I have noticed the groups opening up in recent years from 1 inch to 1.5 inches and more irregular. I clean the crap out of it so it is not bore or barrell fowling from copper. When do you decide to put a new barrell on a rifle ? Just curious what people think? I have a custom stock , jeweled trigger and nice scope on it so no need to buy a new rifle.

 

[Trigger06]

First, I'd check the scope. Are you sure that the copper fouling has been cleaned out? What do you use for cleaning? Screws all torqued down properly?

 

[Bubblehide]

Based on what you stated, you have less than 1000 rounds through it. As such, IMNSHO, it should not need a rebarrel. I would go through it, everything. Disassemble it and reassemble it. Check for debre...

If you go through it and nothing is found and no improvement in grouping/accuracy, I would then rebarrel, and simply tell myself that I got a good 12 years out of the barrel.

 

[LaHunter]

You may be getting to the end of the optimum barrel life. It could be carbon fouling (carbon ring). This can be difficult to remove sometimes. You will need a bore scope to know for sure. Not sure an ultra mag would make it to 1000 rounds or not. I would do the basic checks listed above and then try to get a bore scope to view the bore. Just be prepared to probably get a little shocked if you’ve never seen the bore. It will likely look pretty worn with a good bit of fire cracking near the throat, based on your round count

 

[Dhbwa]

You may be getting to the end of the optimum barrel life. It could be carbon fouling (carbon ring). This can be difficult to remove sometimes. You will need a bore scope to know for sure. Not sure an ultra mag would make it to 1000 rounds or not. I would do the basic checks listed above and then try to get a bore scope to view the bore. Just be prepared to probably get a little shocked if you’ve never seen the bore. It will likely look pretty worn with a good bit of fire cracking near the throat, based on your round count

This. 1000 rounds of a 300 RUM is quite a few. If you handload you may be able to help it by seating the bullets out but since you don’t it could be rebarrel time. I still suggest a rigorous cleaning for carbon and copper fouling and all other items such as loose screws...