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Tracers

SW 357MagSW 357Mag Member Posts: 1,960 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited May 2007 in Ask the Experts
A friend of mine bought some tracer rounds in .308. He asked me if they could cause any damage to his barrel. I told him I would ask the guys on the GB sight.

Any thoughts on potential problems with using tracers?

jl45
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Comments

  • SW 357MagSW 357Mag Member Posts: 1,960 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Will they harm the barrel of a rifle? They are being shot in a hunting/sport gun and not an evil black rifle, if it matters.
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  • nards444nards444 Member Posts: 3,994 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    They do burn hotter, and after extended use will ruin a rifle. military rifles can handle them because they are built for it, and the govt can afford to replace rifles. But if you were to use a few sparingly, you would be alright
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  • Mk 19Mk 19 Member Posts: 8,170
    edited November -1
    You will want to give your bore an extra cleaning after using them. A tracer will leave damaging deposits in the bore that will need to be taken care of immediately.

    Also, make sure your shooting in a safe area in the middle of a rain storm. You really don't want to set anything on fire.
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  • nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,892 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    When I fired tracers (in the military), they started brush fires EVERYWHERE, unless it was pouring rain. You can't even expect the bullets to stay where they hit; ricochets are common.

    In most places, if you start a brush fire with tracers, you can reasonably expect to be arrested for arson.

    Neal
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  • SW 357MagSW 357Mag Member Posts: 1,960 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks guys, sure didn't know they could start fires. Although, it does make sense. I think I'll just stick with M80's.
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  • 11b6r11b6r Member Posts: 16,584 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Just to add to what nmeyers said- yeah, we used to burn off the ranges a LOT. A 7.62 tracer has a tail of VERY hot flame that extends about a meter behind the round in flight. Lasts to about 600 meters range. Would watch rounds sail in, and suddenly (on impact) change direction by 45 degrees, and go sailing off into an area of fresh fuel. Only place I could guarantee no fires was if the OCEAN was our impact area. Be careful out there guys- Smokey the Bear will get hacked off big time! And yes, clean barrel soon after shoot.
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  • BshooterBshooter Member Posts: 246 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I shot a few tracers into my bunker made of railroad ties and multi layers of rubber belting. Guess what, black smoke and fire. Got the fire out with little damage to the railroad ties. Rubber belting a total loss. I learned a good lesson here. Bshooter
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  • MossbergboogieMossbergboogie Member Posts: 12,211
    edited November -1
    Just find an old lp tank thats what they are made for. [:D]
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  • givettegivette Member Posts: 10,886 ✭
    edited November -1
    Used to carry a mag full of tracers. "Watch for tracer burn-out" is what I used to say when I marked targets for fac/air support. They always said that they got a [real good tracer burnout]. That PRC-25 was an awful lot of power at my fingertips. Sorry 'bout the trip down memory lane. I digress..barrel life? What's barrel life? Joe
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  • Laredo LeftyLaredo Lefty Member Posts: 13,451 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    [img][/img]IMG_0107.jpg
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  • tsavo303tsavo303 Member Posts: 8,913 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    military tracers have phospherous in the back that burns hot, firing a bunch fast will burn out a barrel. That is why they do 4 rounds ball-1 tracer. the commerically made stuff like hornady vector is not the same stuff
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