All barrels foul due to burnt powder related particles and traces of copper gilding from the bullets and their engraving by the lands when fired. Velocity and bullet friction have little effect on barrel wear and are often blamed in error as the culprits. Twist rate has also mistakenly been confused with contributing to barrel wear. More often than not, they will put hundreds of rounds through their rifles in a weekend. Both cooling down periods and maintenance intervals cannot always be practiced when one is trying to win a match within the specified time intervals allowed or reducing the rampant prairie dog populations that exist in many parts of the country.
Most avid practitioners use two rifles for such typical extended shooting sessions.
The remaining shooters and hunters, who fire their rifles considerably less often than those described above, should realize an average barrel life of 8,000 to 10,000 rounds. Again, not shooting with a hot barrel, proper maintenance and cleaning intervals will enhance barrel life.