r/canadaguns • u/Canadian-Footy-Fan • Mar 06 '26

Misc Quick questions

A couple of random questions:

- if you buy a used gun that you can’t physically inspect how likely is it that the barrel has been “shot out” and is less accurate? Does the calibre affect this (is it more likely to happen with a .308 than a .223 because of the higher pressure - or does the added cost of .308 ammo mean it is less likely that a high shot count was run through the gun)?

- In terms of sheer numbers, what do you think are the most common types of centrefire ammo in circulation within Canada. I am thinking .223, then 7.62x39, then maybe.308…? Ultimately I’d like to get a reliable bolt in each of the most common calibres.

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u/BigRedGunNut Mar 06 '26

Most firearms owners never shoot enough in thier lives to have a barrel get "shot out". Some magnum cartridges are known as "barrel burners" for the excelerated erosion at the throat caused by the cartridges higher pressures.

I have rifles that are decades old, seen many thousands of rounds and are as accurate now as when new. Chances of buying a rifle that's been shot out is pretty remote.

Having said that, not all rifles are created equal. Some manufacturers and designs are better that others. Sometimes even two identical rifles will not perform the same out of the box. One might love ammo x and the other ammo y.

Don't worry too much about the barrel being shot out and worry more about the quality of rifle you're starting with.

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u/ProtoJazz Mar 06 '26

This is pretty similar to a lot of reddit guitarists making a fuss about guitars having nickle frets isntead of stainless steel.

Like yes, stainless WILL last longer. But nickle is will still out last most people. Id put good money that most people likely to wear out frets on a guitar are not sitting on reddit complaining about new gear releases.