I have a 223 and it is very accurate. It will shoot 3/8" groups. I recently purchased a 22/250. While cleaning the two of them, I noticed that identical patches are loose in the 223 and very tight in the 22/250. The 223 has 4000+ rounds through it, but still shoots great.

Is the bore actually bigger? Does this indicate that the 223 is worn? Will it continue to perform for a long time?

Hi, Badon:
Kind of doubt it. A barrel that's burnt out for 3-4 inches ahead of the chamber should still be in almost new condition at the muzzle. Is you .223 tighter once the patch is down the barrel a couple of inches, or is it uniform?

More likely it's one or a combination of three things. Maybe your .22-250 barrel was tighter by .001-.002" than the .223 when they left the factory. If the .223 has narrow lands and wide grooves, and the .22-250 has equal width lands and grooves, that's enough. If the .22-250 is new, the barrel may be a bit rough and will smooth out after a few hundred shots. If your .223 is still accurate, that's all the matters.

Bye
Jack

In agreement with Jack, I'll say that your .223 barrel is likely very smooth after the number of rounds you've put through it. That is the the most obvious situation to me. The fact that your 22-250 is new would indicate a rougher bore unless it is a custom gun that has been hand lapped. Even then it may not be as smooth as your .223.

If the .223 shoots well, and it's known to be good for 7-10K+ rounds before a barrel is worn if not abused, I wouldn't worry about it. If the throat is gone to the extent of 3-4" you can see it with your eyes, no bore scope needed.

There are so many variables between rifles, even of the same make and model in the same caliber, it's really not worth your time to worry about it unless the rifle isn't shooting as it has been. Keep records of how it shoots with your favorite load, with a clean rifle you'll know when the barrel is past it's prime.

You may want to give your new rifle the Kroil oil and JB bore paste treatment to make cleaning easier if it has proven to be somewhat of a chore thus far. Just follow the instructions and there is no worry about damaging your bore. I'd use the above combo on a new, unfired, rifle before I'd worry about all of the "black magic voodoo" barrel break in procedures that some riflesmiths recomend to cover their backside in the event of a rifle that doesn't perform up to par.

The 223 has a very uniform feel from end to end. It is not looser at the throat.

I appreciate your replies and reassurance.