89tenbus: I have a pair of factory stock Remington 40X "Varmint" Rifles in caliber 22 Remington Bench Rest.
I use them for Colony Varmint Hunting.
I NEVER allow either Rifles barrel to heat up.
And, I am a notorious non-hot rodder when it comes to my accuracy reloading.
I am sure I have more than a thousand rounds down each barrel and have noticed NO loss of the excelent accuracy they came with when they were "new".
I think the 22 Remington Bench Rest cartridge is an extremely efficient (lots of velocity with little powder) cartridge.
I would be very surprised if I ever need to re-barrel either of my 22 Remington Bench Rest Rifles.
I also have another Varmint Rifle (Ruger 77 V/T) in caliber 22 PPC - that might be another caliber for you to consider?
This Ruger is still new and unfired in its box so I have no actual experience with it and its barrel life.
Best of luck to you if you decide to try a 22 BR.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy
