dr : I actually agree with you, and should have been a little more clear, any cal in 243, 6mm, or 240 wby would be my choice. Match grade accuracy starts to decline at around 700 to 1200 rds in world class barrels and when world records are on the line. The rest of us are really not going to see that much decline in accuracy until we get to a certain point. Tests have shown especially in modern AR-15's that acceptable accuracy can be maintained well over 10,000 rds with chrome lined bores, but that's a different subject. Moderate calibers can maintain acceptable accurary in the 5 to 10 K range. Accuracy starts to decline at some unknown point in any caliber and to put a set number of rounds fired can be quite subjective. I agree so long as you don't over heat, tommy gun, and clean properly a rifle barrel will last the average shooter many many years with acceptable accuracy. I do agree a heavy varmit type rifle has merits in some respects, and my own personal experience they tend to swing better, less recoil and, maintain better accuracy for longer shooting sessions, But there is nothing wrong with any standard or ultra lite rifle either. Accuracy can be quite good, recoil is very managable with a properly stocked rifle, add a muzzle brake if needed, and are a whole lot easier to carry slugging up and down mtn's or long walks to dog towns carrying an extra 100 rounds to watch them do an opollo moon shot as we call it, just aim at where they are sitting and grenade the bullet underneath and see they try and fly. The 22-250 , swift and others are great calibers for this, but I will stick with my 243 for the really long shots. My acceptable degree of accuracy in my standard weight 243 is to hit a small V-8 juice can at 400 yds on a calm day and only miss a few when I muff a shot or when called.