gatorhugger
Blackhawk
does anyone clean their rifle barrel out after every few shots? I see the boys at the range do it and I never do. So does it help or is it a myth to clean it as I shoot?
223 target effectiveness
- Thread starter gatorhugger
- Start date
I bought a new DPMS rifle and they reccomend cleaning after every shot x 20 then after 10 x so man more. Only run the patch down the barrel, but never back. It is mind boggling. It is metal for God's sake, and no cloth patch is going to do diddly sqat to it. If it is dirty after 200 rounds I might clean it.
gramps
gramps
Pat-inCO
Hawkeye
It's called breaking in a barrel.
I've heard it as ten, clean after each round.
Then ten, cleaning every other round.
Finally nine, cleaning every three.
One or two items for consideration:
1) Start by cleaning it VERY well with proper solvent (Hoppe's 9 works well), using a copper brush.
2) Clean it with solvent and swabs (NO brush) until there is no black.
* * * * After this point, NEVER use a brush on it again, * * * *
unless you want to re-start the break in process all over.
3) Use the process detailed at the beginning of this post to complete.
Does it work? YES!
I've got a Savage Model 12 BVSS that shoots 100 Yd. three shot groups with all three touching, after using this process. My "bragging" group is a .4" (Yes, point 4 inches) outside to outside.
Can you do that with an "old" barrel? Sure can.
What happens if you "forget" and use a brush on it? Start with number 1 again.
Many will advocate using Sweets to get the copper fouling out during the first 29 rounds. I have tried it both ways and see very little difference.
YMMV.
I've heard it as ten, clean after each round.
Then ten, cleaning every other round.
Finally nine, cleaning every three.
One or two items for consideration:
1) Start by cleaning it VERY well with proper solvent (Hoppe's 9 works well), using a copper brush.
2) Clean it with solvent and swabs (NO brush) until there is no black.
* * * * After this point, NEVER use a brush on it again, * * * *
unless you want to re-start the break in process all over.
3) Use the process detailed at the beginning of this post to complete.
Does it work? YES!
I've got a Savage Model 12 BVSS that shoots 100 Yd. three shot groups with all three touching, after using this process. My "bragging" group is a .4" (Yes, point 4 inches) outside to outside.
Can you do that with an "old" barrel? Sure can.
What happens if you "forget" and use a brush on it? Start with number 1 again.
Many will advocate using Sweets to get the copper fouling out during the first 29 rounds. I have tried it both ways and see very little difference.
YMMV.
xtratoy
Hunter
Another opinion. http://www.6mmbr.com/gailmcmbreakin.html
" Quote Pat in Coloradooes it work? YES!
I've got a Savage Model 12 BVSS that shoots 100 Yd. three shot groups with all three touching, after using this process. My "bragging" group is a .4" (Yes, point 4 inches) outside to outside."
I don't believe it, won't believe it and really think it is a mind game. I have shot .223's, 5.56's, out of multiple different types of rifles and carbines. Cleaning only makes the rifle fire reliably, granted it can't be full of mud but anal cleaning is counterproductive. The bullet traveling down the barrel at 3000 fps is not going to be swayed by a small coating of ???. What's there going to be in the first place? I can shoot my M77 HB in .223 alot and see zero degradation of accuracy.
This is a subject that you will never get a majority answer. I can just tell you from my experience with the M16/AR15 and multiple semi's and bolts that cleaning the interior barrel on a regular basis makes zero difference in the accuracy of the rifle. This is not an opinion, it has been proven over and over and I have seen it myself and did try some of the experiments myself.
Semper Fi:
Karl
Pat: I reread this and want to make sure you understand I am not questioning your accuracy or claims. In no way. My point is that when you change the oil and air filter, air up you tires and wash your car it sures seems to run, feel and just generally be a better auto (it isn't really, but ). I truly think this has a ton to do with it. If it works for you or anyone that's awesome, but swabbing out the barrel has zero to do with it.
Karl
oes it work? YES!I've got a Savage Model 12 BVSS that shoots 100 Yd. three shot groups with all three touching, after using this process. My "bragging" group is a .4" (Yes, point 4 inches) outside to outside."
I don't believe it, won't believe it and really think it is a mind game. I have shot .223's, 5.56's, out of multiple different types of rifles and carbines. Cleaning only makes the rifle fire reliably, granted it can't be full of mud but anal cleaning is counterproductive. The bullet traveling down the barrel at 3000 fps is not going to be swayed by a small coating of ???. What's there going to be in the first place? I can shoot my M77 HB in .223 alot and see zero degradation of accuracy.
This is a subject that you will never get a majority answer. I can just tell you from my experience with the M16/AR15 and multiple semi's and bolts that cleaning the interior barrel on a regular basis makes zero difference in the accuracy of the rifle. This is not an opinion, it has been proven over and over and I have seen it myself and did try some of the experiments myself.
Semper Fi:
Karl
Pat: I reread this and want to make sure you understand I am not questioning your accuracy or claims. In no way. My point is that when you change the oil and air filter, air up you tires and wash your car it sures seems to run, feel and just generally be a better auto (it isn't really, but ). I truly think this has a ton to do with it. If it works for you or anyone that's awesome, but swabbing out the barrel has zero to do with it.
Karl
I think it is funny that people clean the heck out of the rifle and then have to have "fouling shots" to get accuracy.
gramps
gramps
I shot competitive rife in the Army and we were told, in a way that couldn't be misinterpreted, that if an armorer ever saw us with a cleaning rod in a rifle we were off the team that day. We would fire an entire ammo can of .308 and never touch a cleaning rod.gramps said:
Jimbo357mag
Hawkeye
I have seen benchrest shooters recommend that the barrel be absolutely clean for almost every shot. I have seen the average rifle guru recommend a good cleaning after each shooting session. I just saw on TV a military marksmanship instructor recommend cleaning the barrel when accuracy falls off or after approximately 2000 rounds. Take your pick.
I clean my guns after each range session and swab with copper cleaner when there is a noticeable build-up. :shock: :shock:
I clean my guns after each range session and swab with copper cleaner when there is a noticeable build-up. :shock: :shock:
Some time back I read where a noted barrel maker said he started the break-in process so barrels would wear out faster and thus more he would sale.
With my Savage 12fv I shot 5 and cleaned, shot 5 more and cleaned and then shot until done and cleaned at end of each session. It shot under an 1 inch at 200 constantly with factory ammo.
My Les Baer came with a note that barrel is broke in, just shoot. I have talked with Les many times, and he tells me to shoot 10 to 12 rounds of whatever ammo I am shooting and then shoot for groups. When I do my part I can get quarter inch groups at 100, and my best 200 is 5/8". Usually they are around 3/4" or slightly more. I just went Prairie dog shooting and fired about 150 rounds and then ran a snake through it (I felt guilty, probably not needed) and shot another 100 rounds. Had no accuracy issues.
With my Savage 12fv I shot 5 and cleaned, shot 5 more and cleaned and then shot until done and cleaned at end of each session. It shot under an 1 inch at 200 constantly with factory ammo.
My Les Baer came with a note that barrel is broke in, just shoot. I have talked with Les many times, and he tells me to shoot 10 to 12 rounds of whatever ammo I am shooting and then shoot for groups. When I do my part I can get quarter inch groups at 100, and my best 200 is 5/8". Usually they are around 3/4" or slightly more. I just went Prairie dog shooting and fired about 150 rounds and then ran a snake through it (I felt guilty, probably not needed) and shot another 100 rounds. Had no accuracy issues.
RVN11B40
Single-Sixer
I've also done the various methods of cleaning/shooting during my formative years.
I noticed very little improvement or degradation in my shooting performance no matter which method I used back then.
Now I just shoot 'till I am done give her a good cleaning and move on to the next project. Most often if I knew I was going to shoot again the next day or so I will just bore snake the barrel, clean off the bolt and hang her up in the case until the next session.
Just my way of doing things. :wink:
I noticed very little improvement or degradation in my shooting performance no matter which method I used back then.
Now I just shoot 'till I am done give her a good cleaning and move on to the next project. Most often if I knew I was going to shoot again the next day or so I will just bore snake the barrel, clean off the bolt and hang her up in the case until the next session.
Just my way of doing things. :wink:
