Precision Rifle Cleaning
- Thread starter Ice14
- Start date
I am of course kidding, but long ago abandoned any real anal approaches to cleaning. I clean when I am bored. I don't think my rifle has seen more than 250 rounds through it between cleanings. And I notice zero difference in cold bore shots with a clean or dirty gun, or any other time during the day of shooting.
cleaning
Barrels are different so my approach to cleaning them is different. This applies to target rifles that are being shot under "clean" conditions. If rifle is subjected to weather then rust prevention is a whole different issue.
I often shoot an old Winchester heavy target in .308 with its original barrel. It can be a very nice shooter but its bore is not as smooth as a proper match barrel and so fouling can build up and effect accuracy. After about 50 rounds it begins to open up. After cleaning, it needs two rounds to settle again and the CCB shot will then be predictable. I have had this rifle for quite awhile and put up with it for sentimental reasons.
I have also shot extensively with McMillan and Hart barrels that would go many many rounds without much loss in accuracy. The Hart barrel was especially friendly and dirty or clean shot great. Copper fouling was almost nil. This is where a really good match barrel shows its worth. To me, the ability to be consistant is just as important as the ability to deliver the smallest groups. With the Hart I just cleaned it once in awhile because I liked doing it and because it often was carried in weather.
When cleaning I run a patch soaked with Hoppes through (because I grew up with it and like the smell!). For copper removal, especially in the factory Winchesater barrel I use an aggressive copper remover and sometimes a few stokes with JB paste. I never use a brush in my barrels.
Improper cleaning has ruined more barrels than shooting. Start with the minimum and let the barrel tell you what it needs.
Regards,
Outdoors
Barrels are different so my approach to cleaning them is different. This applies to target rifles that are being shot under "clean" conditions. If rifle is subjected to weather then rust prevention is a whole different issue.
I often shoot an old Winchester heavy target in .308 with its original barrel. It can be a very nice shooter but its bore is not as smooth as a proper match barrel and so fouling can build up and effect accuracy. After about 50 rounds it begins to open up. After cleaning, it needs two rounds to settle again and the CCB shot will then be predictable. I have had this rifle for quite awhile and put up with it for sentimental reasons.
I have also shot extensively with McMillan and Hart barrels that would go many many rounds without much loss in accuracy. The Hart barrel was especially friendly and dirty or clean shot great. Copper fouling was almost nil. This is where a really good match barrel shows its worth. To me, the ability to be consistant is just as important as the ability to deliver the smallest groups. With the Hart I just cleaned it once in awhile because I liked doing it and because it often was carried in weather.
When cleaning I run a patch soaked with Hoppes through (because I grew up with it and like the smell!). For copper removal, especially in the factory Winchesater barrel I use an aggressive copper remover and sometimes a few stokes with JB paste. I never use a brush in my barrels.
Improper cleaning has ruined more barrels than shooting. Start with the minimum and let the barrel tell you what it needs.
Regards,
Outdoors
