I have a S&W 1500 (same thing) i've had for 25 years in 243. It has had several thousand rounds through it and it still shoot .5" with hand loads. I've also had zero issues with it. I just developed a load with the discontinued Barnes Varminators that is right at .3" 5 shot group. I got a good deal on these bullets and have about 20 boxs of them. This is now, just my truck gun for coyotes so i should have a lifetime supply unless the coyote population goes wacko. I keep thinking the barrel aught to be shot out but can see no sign of it going bad at this point.
