Thread: Is it Pressure or Powder Capacity?

Originally Posted by ChrisW

Its generally powder volume vs bore diameter. The more powder for a given bore dia, the more barrel wear.
eg 243, 7mm-08, 308. All basically the same case / capacity. The 243 will have the shortest barrel life, followed by 7mm, followed by 308 with the longest.

Yes if all cases are loaded to equal pressure.
However, I still suggest that if the .243 is loaded to low pressure ie 52,000 PSI and the .308 to 66,000 PSI the .308 barrel will have the shortest barrel life.
I take this idea off my theory that barrel erosion is based on heat (which is increased by pressure) versus time (more case capacity = more burning time) versus pressure build-up. Although yes I could be wrong