How often to clean

22 December 2009, 22:14

jamese2841

How often to clean

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.

23 December 2009, 02:38

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.

23 December 2009, 07:04

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.

23 December 2009, 12:37

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.

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

23 December 2009, 15:05

shootaway

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).

23 December 2009, 15:09

shootaway

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.

glad you learned something

23 December 2009, 18:35

jamese2841

Thanks for the input.

James

24 December 2009, 07:26

proplinker

Only you will know, you should be able to see the acuracy start to drop off. Claen them and it comes back