Barrel extremely HOT after shooting

[stuck_in_73]

I have had my 73 to the range for the second time since I purchased it back in April. After emptying maybe 15-25 rounds maybe a bit more the barrel is extremely hot. I assumed it would get warm , yes. But after I rack em' through I can barely touch the barrel (thank god I didn't buy the 1860 Henry). Anyways, my question is, is this normal and does it ruin the rifling in the barrel?

Thanks

[Coal Creek Griff]

What kind of ammo are you shooting (factory/handloads, smokeless/black)?

CC Griff

[Fingers McGee]

Anyways, my question is, is this normal and does it ruin the rifling in the barrel?

Thanks

Yes and no.  Barrel will be hotter with BP than wit that overrated fad smokeyless stuff - and it won't harm the rifling

[wildman1]

I would only worry if the barrel did not get hot after shootin multiple rounds thru it in a short period of time.  wM1

[St. George]

Out of curiosity, what did you think it would do?

That's why they put the forearm on in the first place.

Keeping up a high rate of fire can lead to barrel warping and even premature detonation - the very reason troops have three-round burst control devices on their M4s - to give the weapon a little break.

Instead of 'fire suppression' try 'aimed fire', instead - your scores should rise.

Scouts Out!

[Pettifogger]

Out of curiosity, what did you think it would do?

That's why they put the forearm on in the first place.

Keeping up a high rate of fire can lead to barrel warping and even premature detonation - the very reason troops have three-round burst control devices on their M4s - to give the weapon a little break.

Instead of 'fire suppression' try 'aimed fire', instead - your scores should rise.

Scouts Out!

Just so we don't scare the OP, that is with a machine gun.  You will never be able to fire a lever gun with pistol ammo fast enough to warp the barrel or cook off a round.

[Trailrider]

Again, what type of ammo are your using? As was posted, BP will cause the barrel to heat faster and more than most smokeless powders. What was the ambient temperature (approximately) that day? Were you in direct sunlight or shade?  What type of bullets were you using? Jacketed or cast?  If you are shooting smokeless powder, the type of powder may have some bearing on the heat generated. Some of the faster-burning, double-base (containing nitroglycerine) powders may produce more heat than a single-base powder. I seriously doubt you can shoot the barrel hot enough to damage the rifling, but if we have more information, we may be able to suggest things to decrease the heating.

[stuck_in_73]

I'm am using cowboy load 200gr lead bullets. And yes I understand why they added the fore grip. Lol. I was just making sure I wasn't going to mess up and warp the rifling up in the gun. 

[stuck_in_73]

Not BP. Smokeless