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Recently the question arose about how often to clean a hunting rifle to maintain accuracy.
I have always cleaned mine every 20+/- rounds, then 1 or 2 fouling shots.
However, I read an article somewhere stating that a rifle will maintain accuracy for many more shots between cleanings. It makes me wonder what the long range shooters do.

Any thoughts?

James

If this subject has been beaten to death already, I apologize.
 
Posts: 21 | Location: Upstate SC | Registered: 12 July 2006Reply With Quote
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Considering you use good hanloads or ammunition,it depends on the cartridge used and the level of accuracy you want to obtain.Overbore,high velocity rds need cleaning after as little as three rounds before groups go from one inch to 1 foot.A 308 needs cleaning after about 60 rds when using moly coated bullets and a big bore can stand up to fouling as well.Long range accuracy requires a very clean bore or a copper free bore.
 
Posts: 11651 | Location: Montreal | Registered: 07 November 2002Reply With Quote
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My hunting rounds are good handloads, max. velocity without excessive pressure, mid caliber (280 Rem., 30-06,).
Also I sometimes use 300 Win. Mag. and .338 Win Mag.
I also load 25-06.

All my rifles are capable of 1 MOA or better.
we are talking hunting and not benchrest. However I do wonder how military snipers for example, handle this. I wouldn't think they could clean every 3-4 shots.
 
Posts: 21 | Location: Upstate SC | Registered: 12 July 2006Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by shootaway:
Considering you use good hanloads or ammunition,it depends on the cartridge used and the level of accuracy you want to obtain. Overbore,high velocity rds need cleaning after as little as three rounds before groups go from one inch to 1 foot. A 308 needs cleaning after about 60 rds when using moly coated bullets and a big bore can stand up to fouling as well.Long range accuracy requires a very clean bore or a copper free bore.


I used to think you were screwing with us, but I don't any longer.

Wink


Jason

"You're not hard-core, unless you live hard-core."
_______________________

Hunting in Africa is an adventure. The number of variables involved preclude the possibility of a perfect hunt. Some problems will arise. How you decide to handle them will determine how much you enjoy your hunt.

Just tell yourself, "it's all part of the adventure." Remember, if Robert Ruark had gotten upset every time problems with Harry
Selby's flat bed truck delayed the safari, Horn of the Hunter would have read like an indictment of Selby. But Ruark rolled with the punches, poured some gin, and enjoyed the adventure.

-Jason Brown
 
Posts: 6842 | Location: Nome, Alaska(formerly SW Wyoming) | Registered: 22 December 2003Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by jamese2841:
My hunting rounds are good handloads, max. velocity without excessive pressure, mid caliber (280 Rem., 30-06,).
Also I sometimes use 300 Win. Mag. and .338 Win Mag.
I also load 25-06.

All my rifles are capable of 1 MOA or better.
we are talking hunting and not benchrest. However I do wonder how military snipers for example, handle this. I wouldn't think they could clean every 3-4 shots.
If you want to keep a 300wm within an inch and a half at two hundred yds,you will need to clean as often as every 5 rds.Then you need to really clean-jb on a patch on a brush(only this method works in restoring accuracy).
 
Posts: 11651 | Location: Montreal | Registered: 07 November 2002Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by JBrown:
quote:
Originally posted by shootaway:
Considering you use good hanloads or ammunition,it depends on the cartridge used and the level of accuracy you want to obtain. Overbore,high velocity rds need cleaning after as little as three rounds before groups go from one inch to 1 foot. A 308 needs cleaning after about 60 rds when using moly coated bullets and a big bore can stand up to fouling as well.Long range accuracy requires a very clean bore or a copper free bore.


I used to think you were screwing with us, but I don't any longer.

Wink
glad you learned something
 
Posts: 11651 | Location: Montreal | Registered: 07 November 2002Reply With Quote
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Thanks for the input.

James
 
Posts: 21 | Location: Upstate SC | Registered: 12 July 2006Reply With Quote
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Only you will know, you should be able to see the acuracy start to drop off. Claen them and it comes back
 
Posts: 67 | Location: Possum Hollow, IN | Registered: 09 February 2009Reply With Quote
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