My .243 was aquired in 1974. It was a re-barrel on a Mauser 98 and I would have to say that I've got at least 1600 rounds through it and maybe even 2000. The barrel sees about 50% factory loads and 50% handloads. The handloads are NOT hot ... around 2700 fps. My barrel is given good care, no abuse, proper cleaning. I'd guess this barrel will outlive me.
If I was cranking up the juice on my loads and did not take prudent care of the rifle I might see some issues right now ... but so far it is still my most accurate rifle capable of more accuracy than me.
I don't think it's so much a cartridge as it is the load and the care to the barrel. My .243 will never burn my barrel but slowly wear it down.
Last edited by 8mm/06; 01-27-2013 at 07:41 PM.