Greetings,

I typically shoot 60 rounds per rifle when testing loads, two 5 shot groups for each of six different loads.

I have not been cleaning the bore until I return home. Would I reduce variables by cleaning the bore while at the range? Perhaps after firing two 5 shot groups? I have no problem loading a few rounds for fouling shots.

Thanks.

~Holmes

I typically clean the bore after 5 shoots when sighting in my rifle or working up loads. The reasoning behind this is when I do get out hunting the boar is clean and I want to know exactly how it shoots. I am not sure it makes that big of a difference it is just something I have always done.

Chris

I use the same logic as Chris except I clean after 20 rounds. There are many variables to consider such as the roughness of the barrel and it propensity to foul. Case in point I have a AAI rifle and a Robar SR90 that will both hold best accuracy for over 40 rounds whereas my Weatherby 30-378 even though the barrel was broken in correctly it fouls enough that accuracy will begin to degrade after 10 to 15 rounds. The type of powder also contributes to fouling. When working up loads for a 6mm PPC I noticed that the
H 322 fouled less than the IMR powders.

The point of this being when working up loads you should first start out with a properly broken in clean barrel-then clean it at the appropriate interval.I am more of a fanatic about this than most people but I am comfortable and have confidence in the condition of the barrel which in turn helps with my confidence when I am going thru the load development process.

Hope this helps.

Dave

[This message has been edited by Busa Dave (edited 02-18-2002).]

I typically work up loads in batches of 10, and shoot 2 groups of 5 shots each. I clean after 10, and start the next batch of 10 with a clean bore.
I forgot my cleaning rods yesterday. I was verifying a "good" load with my .243, and after 25 rounds it was still shooting 1/2" groups. My .17 Remington was shooting sub 1" groups after 50 rounds, with Moly coated bullets.
There must be something to Moly after all...
Regards, George.

I clean whenever the load is changed, so every load starts with a clean barrel.

I use a Lee handheld press for load developing, reloading at the range so I have unlimited combination to try in one range visit, if the load failed to shoot two 3-shot groups I change loads.