Barrel damage-wisdom needed

[wildbilltx]

Hello, I am hoping that someone more knowledgeable can help, but I should probably tell the story for context:

I have a Ruger Hawkeye 308 win that I keep in the safe at my family’s hunting place. Last season, my dad asked if he could use it. He later called and told me “that 243 of yours won’t shoot worth a crap”. I immediately told him that’s because it’s a 308. He confessed to having put a whole box of 243 through it-with poor results. I realize that we should be thankful there wasn’t a terrible accident. Could this have damaged the barrel? Will it need to be rebarreled? I appreciate the advise

 

[BRTreedogs]

Take it to a local gunsmith and have him bore scope it.

 

[BCsteve]

Should be fine.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Sell it to your dad and move on.

 

[BCsteve]

I know of guys shooting .30-06 in a .35 Whelen and .300 WM in a. 375 Ruger to fireform brass, yes even with the belt. No damage to the barrel.

 

[MattB]

Doubt your barrel would is damaged. Your dad on the other hand... ;-) Doesn't it show .308 right on the barrel?

 

[java]

I'm ashamed to admit that after many years of shooting and generally exercising great care, I had a similar situation not too long ago. The barrel was fine, my ego was not. It did seem to be more (copper) fouled than usual, but after a thorough cleaning and a few rounds of the correct ammo to season the bore, it was back to its good ole accurate self.

 

[XLR]

I would just take it to a local gunsmith and run the borescope to be sure! Had a buddy do the same thing shooting a 6 creed through a 6.5. He only shot one and the barrel was still good to go! Lot of copper though like stated above!

 

[gbflyer]

It’s not hurt from that.

 

[WCB]

have it checked out but should be just fine. Probably need a GOOD cleaning..

 

[Wapiti1]

There is no damage. No need to have it checked. Just clean it and shoot.

Shooting under bore ammo is common practice for fire forming.

Jeremy

 

[java]

I would just take it to a local gunsmith and run the borescope to be sure! Had a buddy do the same thing shooting a 6 creed through a 6.5. He only shot one and the barrel was still good to go! Lot of copper though like stated above!

This is exactly what I did (it was a few rounds though). In my defense, the gun shop had their 6mm and 6.5mm Creed stacked against each other, and the boxes are identical, and they have the same case/OAL. Still felt like a complete idiot.

It took me a few minutes to realize why I'd lost my zero (stopped seeing impacts). I checked my scope rings, action screws, etc. Walked to about 30 yards from the target and fired one more. It keyholed. Looked at the spent case and yelled every expletive in the book. Lesson learned I suppose.

 

[journeyman713]

It'll be fine