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Ey up pigeonwatchers I have a CZ550 in .243 that i have owned for 4 years now if i remember right. I use it for stalking, foxes and informal target shooting on our own ranges on land i shoot over. I bought it second hand and it was used exclusively for target shooting before i got it. it has given those years of faithful service so far with many foxes and deer brought to book. When i have shot targets i have never shot more than 4 or 5 shots without letting the barrel cool and i have cleaned the bore every 50 shots or so. i have fired approx 1000 shots through it. When i first got the rifle bullets damn near through the same hole at 100yds were possible if i did my bit but sub 1" groups were a cert. 4 shots would group nicely before the barrel heated up with the inevitable spread to follow. Ok some 4 years on i have noticed that cold barrel shots are on target but after shots 2 the groups open up. I have checked the usual culprits like bullets ( i am using the same reload i have always used), stock bolts, scope mounts, bipod clamp, mod is tight, etc etc. My shooting partner in crime dead eye duck has watched me shoot and i do not flinch, PARANOIA is certainly possible but To my eye it looks to me like my barrel is getting tired but this is my first centrefire rifle so i hope those with more experience can advise if this sounds the case? and if so who these days are recommended for a replacement. Many thanks GSAW