I would like your opinions on cleaning your guns while testing new loads.I have been shooting 3 shot groups then running solvent down my barrel while it cools before my next 3 shot group of another load.Groups are shooting between 1.5" and 2" about every load.While getting frustrated,I fired my next three 3 round groups without cleaning in between only to let the barrell cool down in between,and the last 2 groups both shot at 1".Is it better not to clean between groups to find your guns true accuracy?

I find it usually takes 1 or 2 "fouling" shots before a clean barrel settles down. I shoot three 5-shot groups with my .22 Hornet before cleaning, and two 5-shot groups with my .243Win and .17 Rem between cleanings. The two Remingtons seem to settle in faster than the Ruger (Hornet). The .17 fouls easily, that 's why only 2 groups, and the .243 always places the first shot 1/2" left of the rest of the group. Then, it settles in and shoots one ragged hole. The Hornet shoots OK for the first 17 to 18 rounds, then starts spraying them around.
Regards, George.

[This message has been edited by George Capriola (edited 08-21-2001).]

I figure that to avoid "first shot flier" problems it's best not to clean just before shooting an "important" group, e.g., the maximum load you're working up to.

I usually work up to max in four stages so I generally clean before the first group--I know it's not going to have the accuracy I'm looking for so I don't really care about group size.

This goes for load workup--when testing for accuracy I want all conditions the same for each group so I may avoid cleaning beforehand, or may fire a fouling shot (of a load that didn't work out) into the berm.

John

ssl,

As I remember you have a Weatherby. With the three I own I have found tat they shoot better fouled with most loads, the bores are a little ruff.

I am leaving for africa in two days, to prepare, I totally removed all of the fouling from the guns. Then I went to the range and shot a couple of rounds until the groups became tight, I have shot the guns quite a bit and have found the approximate number of rounds that it take to get things moving along well.

Bill

Each gun is different but relatively consistent. Like the other gentleman said, the fouling shot is always 1/2" left. When you are at the range find out what your gun requires. From a clean and DRY bore and using the best load you've got, fire a shot and take note of where that shot hit. Fire a second shot and take note of where that shot hit. Then fire a 3rd and a 4th. If your gun dislikes having a clean bore you will see it pretty clearly if you pay attention to which holes those 1st and 2nd shots made. You're gun will tell you that you need 1 fouling shot or 2 fouling shots before it will give you it's best accuracy.

One key point is to run an extra dry patch or two down the bore after cleaning to make sure your bore is dry. I have 2 guns that each used to require 1 fouling shot before settling in. Once I started running the extra patches down the bore to dry it thoroughly, the 1st shots started dropping right into the group so the fouling shot is no longer necessary.

Good luck

jayloar, what You write is what I have written at this forums several times. After cleaning oil the bore. Use the same, non Teflon oil every time. Before hunting / shooting DRY bore. One patch in a loop is S#%�! Take a tight fitting bronce JAG with a COTTON patch. Push through. Then take a second one and stroke barrel both ways. If looks oily, take ANOTHER!

In case You disassembled the rifle, some settling in is to be expected, of course.

If that fails, do as above = dry bore, and just before hunting take a new bronce brush ( Brownells sometime even sold bore conditioning brushes ) and stroke Your bore several times. This will leave copper in Your bore, but without firing residue, as the salts will attract humidity and this causes rusting of the barrel. Sure iron and copper are a local element, but only in aqueous condition. The traces of oil in the pores of the barrel will preclude rust for the time of the hunt.

If nothing works, that is Your barrel is really "walking", check if the first shot is in the same place everytime. If that�s the case fire a group, all shots from cold barrel. It�s this one shot that counts. After all, combo guns ALL react this way ...

( only very new ones with constructions to prevent this )

Good Shooting and tell us the results! H

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Hey Bill,

Have a good trip! Bring a few extra rounds to check your zero when you get to your hunting area.

George

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Shoot straight, shoot often, but by all means, use enough gun!