Measuring muzzle wear without gauge

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   I bought a Postal Meter Carbine in excellent condition that I haven't shot yet. Has an IBM barrel (no date mark on the barrel, which apparently was not uncommon). I don't have a muzzle wear gauge so I used the field expedient 30.06 cartridge method. I used a WWII box of LC "M2 Alternative" to measure. Gap between the case mouth and muzzle was between .11"-.12", which should put it roughly a tad under 1/8". That would be (according to some formulas I've seen online) around a 2+ muzzle wear measurement. Sound about right? If that is correct it should still have some mileage left on it, correct?

Also, I tried a Federal new-production 30.06 150gr FMJ for the measurement and it was way lower than .011". You're supposed to use actual M2 if my memory serves. The M2 I used was "M2 Alternative" (whatever that means) so would that affect the validity of the estimate for muzzle wear? I know not using a real-deal gauge makes it an ballpark figure but what do you guys think? 

Edited by ABNAKS - Oct 17 2020 at 9:28am

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ABNAKS Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Recruit Joined: Jan 05 2019 Location: TN Status: Offline Points: 4	Post Options Post Reply Quote ABNAKS Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Measuring muzzle wear without gauge Posted: Oct 16 2020 at 9:44pm
	I bought a Postal Meter Carbine in excellent condition that I haven't shot yet. Has an IBM barrel (no date mark on the barrel, which apparently was not uncommon). I don't have a muzzle wear gauge so I used the field expedient 30.06 cartridge method. I used a WWII box of LC "M2 Alternative" to measure. Gap between the case mouth and muzzle was between .11"-.12", which should put it roughly a tad under 1/8". That would be (according to some formulas I've seen online) around a 2+ muzzle wear measurement. Sound about right? If that is correct it should still have some mileage left on it, correct? Also, I tried a Federal new-production 30.06 150gr FMJ for the measurement and it was way lower than .011". You're supposed to use actual M2 if my memory serves. The M2 I used was "M2 Alternative" (whatever that means) so would that affect the validity of the estimate for muzzle wear? I know not using a real-deal gauge makes it an ballpark figure but what do you guys think? Edited by ABNAKS - Oct 17 2020 at 9:28am
	11C2P Airborne Infantry 83-87

W5USMC Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Joined: Apr 29 2017 Location: Missouri Status: Offline Points: 2968	Post Options Post Reply Quote W5USMC Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: Oct 17 2020 at 12:09am
	Would imagine your carbine barrel still has a long life remaining. As far as the M2 Alternative ammo goes, the "alternative" has something to with the make up of the lead core (different ratio of metals used). The actual bullet shape (ogive) should still be the same as the regular M2 round. Shoot it and enjoy and buy more!
	Wayne USMC Retired NRA Life Member