15,000 Rounds Later: Does This Criterion Barrel Still Shoot Straight?

Published on August 21, 2024
Duration: 14:14

Preston Moore, demonstrating high expertise, provides an analytical assessment of a Criterion CORE series barrel after 15,000 rounds. He details significant internal wear, including throat erosion and fire cracking, using specialized tools like borescopes and erosion gauges. Despite the degradation, the barrel still produced surprisingly acceptable groups with specific ammunition, highlighting its durability and the importance of testing worn components.

Quick Summary

Expert analysis reveals a Criterion CORE series barrel, after 15,000 rounds, exhibits significant throat erosion and fire cracking. Despite this wear, it maintains surprising accuracy, achieving 2.26 MOA with 77gr handloads, though it becomes highly sensitive to ammunition type and fouling levels.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Barrel Specifications
  2. 01:00Internal Wear Inspection
  3. 01:49Test Methodology and Equipment
  4. 03:12Ammunition Selection
  5. 03:29Performance Analysis
  6. 11:15Conclusion and Leaderboard

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a Criterion CORE series barrel perform after 15,000 rounds?

After 15,000 rounds, a Criterion CORE series barrel shows significant throat erosion and internal wear, including fire cracking. However, it can still maintain surprising accuracy, achieving groups as tight as 2.26 MOA with specific ammunition, though it becomes sensitive to load variations.

What tools are used to assess barrel wear in the video?

The video utilizes specialized tools for barrel assessment, including a throat erosion gauge to measure wear in the lede and a borescope to visually inspect the internal condition of the barrel for signs like fire cracking, erosion, and fouling.

What ammunition performed best in the worn Criterion barrel?

The 77gr Sierra MatchKing handloads with AR-Comp powder performed best in the worn Criterion barrel, yielding a 2.26 MOA group. This highlights how specific ammunition can still achieve good results even in a barrel with substantial wear.

What is the expected service life of a Criterion barrel?

Criterion barrels are generally expected to have a service life of 10,000 to 20,000 rounds. This lifespan can vary based on factors such as the firing schedule, maintenance practices, and the specific ammunition used.

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