Smyth Busters: Will Tracer Ammo Burn Out My Rifle's Barrel?
This video from Smyth Busters, featuring Brownells Gun Techs Caleb and Steve, investigates whether shooting tracer ammunition will significantly wear out a rifle's barrel. They explain that tracer rounds contain a pyrotechnic charge which generates intense heat and residue. While military firearms often have chrome-lined barrels to withstand this, standard sporting rifle barrels are less resistant. The conclusion is that tracer ammo does indeed wear out sporting rifle barrels faster than standard ammunition, though occasional use with thorough cleaning on a chrome-lined barrel like an AR-15's is generally acceptable, but rapid fire (mag dumps) of tracers is discouraged.










