That copper bullet jacket buildup normally/usually/generally begins to affect accuracy. Worst I ever had was a Ruger 77 LH in .270 Win. Clean and scrub the bore spotless and by about the 4th/5th shot it started to spray a bit. By 10 shots, it had gone from 1.5" group to a 6" group. Sold that rascal.
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SabineHunter
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Each rifle is different. I’ve had factory rifles stop performing as low as 20-30 rounds through the barrel. And I’ve had custom barrels shoot several hundred rounds before needing cleaned. I watch accuracy and when they start opening up I’ll clean them. I do try to keep the triggers clean(flush with ronsonol) and the actions fairly free of dirt and oiled. The gun will tell you when it needs cleaned.
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I was told a long time ago that powder residue sitting inside the barrel for extended periods attracts moisture from the air that can harden and crust up into tiny brittle particles that can impede a bullet traveling over it. I clean periodically just to be safe, especially on units that will sit for long periods.
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Originally posted by trophy8 View PostEach rifle is different. I’ve had factory rifles stop performing as low as 20-30 rounds through the barrel. And I’ve had custom barrels shoot several hundred rounds before needing cleaned. I watch accuracy and when they start opening up I’ll clean them. I do try to keep the triggers clean(flush with ronsonol) and the actions fairly free of dirt and oiled. The gun will tell you when it needs cleaned.
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I used to be very OCD about cleaning my barrels. Even after only 1 shot fired. I now let the rifle tell me when to clean. At best usually after deer season. Or for my range guns about 200 rounds or twice yearly. Haven't noticed any changes to accuracy but think most of my guns shoot better dirty.
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I have a few that haven't been "cleaned" in 10 years or more. I only clean during break in and not very much then. If one starts shooting bad then I check for copper fouling and scope holding zero. Copper fouling seems to be the worst culprit. I don't consider running a dry patch or pulling a snake thru the bore as cleaning, just removing anything corrosive that might be in there.
If one needs copper fouling removed I use Sweets 7.62 and take my time doing it. Afterward I spray some carb cleaner down the bore and then blow it out with 150 psi air to get it real dry. I do not oil the bore after that as guns are stored inside in humdidity controlled safe.
A good bore scope will show you if there is excessive copper fouling.
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Originally posted by muddydog View Postbut think most of my guns shoot better dirty.
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