"Burnt" barrels and the .17Rem?

[Rocky Raab]

Early .17 rifles are more prone to it that current models. The reason is simple: they learned how to make .17-cal barrels better.

It is (I believe) a matter of proportion. A pit, mark or bump of microscopic proportions that wouldn't cause a hint of a problem in a .30-cal bore is -proportionally- a huge hole, scrape or jagged mound in a .17-cal. So that tiny bullet (with its equally thin jacket!) simply cannot be fired over such a defect and not lose copper.

They've also learned to make those eensy bullets better. Combined, today's MUCH better, smoother barrels and better bullets add up to a lot less fouling problems than before.

But you can still burn one out. Shoot it too quickly, too long on too hot a day and...bye bye barrel.