cohunter14
Administrator
- Jul 10, 2017
- 5,345
A clean or dirty barrel can have a big impact on the accuracy of your rifle. What steps do you take to clean your rife, and why? How often do you clean your rifle?
Cleaning Your Rifle...
- Thread starter cohunter14
- Start date
Derek
Glad you started this thread.
I do not own any newer rifles. Most are no less than 25 years old, some are almost 40 yrs old.
For years, I just cleaned them with some Hoppes #9.
After doing some research, I started cleaning the bores with copper cleaner.
WOW! Did that make a difference!
A person doesnt need to use the copper cleaner regularly, depends on how much you shoot.
But if you have older rifles, a couple good copper bore cleanings and you should be good to go.
Then just a typical cleaning as needed.
Just remember that a clean barrel will not shoot the same as a fouled barrel.
Glad you started this thread.
I do not own any newer rifles. Most are no less than 25 years old, some are almost 40 yrs old.
For years, I just cleaned them with some Hoppes #9.
After doing some research, I started cleaning the bores with copper cleaner.
WOW! Did that make a difference!
A person doesnt need to use the copper cleaner regularly, depends on how much you shoot.
But if you have older rifles, a couple good copper bore cleanings and you should be good to go.
Then just a typical cleaning as needed.
Just remember that a clean barrel will not shoot the same as a fouled barrel.
cohunter14
Administrator
- Jul 10, 2017
- 5,345
\"cnelk\" said:
Great point Brad! What are the brands of cleaning supplies that you use? How often do you do a \'basic\' cleaning (I\'m assuming with Hoppes) versus the deep cleaning with the copper removers?
Derek
I am on the \'once a year\' dep clean maintenance program. Seems to be enough.
I shoot chrome/moly bullets thru a couple of the rifles so they dont get the copper build up like typical copper coated bullets do.
I cant remember what brand of copper cleaner I have, but most will work fine.
I am on the \'once a year\' dep clean maintenance program. Seems to be enough.
I shoot chrome/moly bullets thru a couple of the rifles so they dont get the copper build up like typical copper coated bullets do.
I cant remember what brand of copper cleaner I have, but most will work fine.
Bob Frapples
Member
- Mar 10, 2014
- 367
Next time you go out shooting put 20-30 shots at 50 yards with your 22, clean the barrel, even if it\'s just a bore snake then shoot it again. It will drive home the importance of a clean barrel.
As I stated in the accuracy thread, I have a book on Home Gunsmithing Projects by Bryce Towsley. I now clean more often and more vigorously than I ever have! Some of his points:
- Cleaning right after shooting is easier than after its sits for a long time;
- He uses a bore brush (brass) one size larger then the bore (for a .277, he uses a .284);
- Always use a bore guide and clean from the breech if at all possible to prevent damaging the rifling at the muzzle (I have an Otis flexible rod device but I have not used it yet; not sure if if will be rigid enough for pushing & pulling a bruch through);
- He names several cleaners for removing copper he likes, but I don\'t recall them. I use a bore foam & others I bought at a local Gander;
- He likes the Outers Foul Out system (several older guns he worked on needed several treatments);
- A clean bore may shoot to a different point of impact; Towsley cites missing a buck due to this. For this reason, he always hunts with a fouled barrel, I have always done this as well. The difference may be slight or it may be a lot, all guns/loads are different.
I now do more regular bore cleaning, especially on my AR\'s. Deer rifles would see 5 rounds at a range to verify zero. With an AR, 5 rounds doesn\'t cut it, it needs a 30 round magazine through it - at least!
Of course, here in NYS, you are now a felon for owning such a device.
- Cleaning right after shooting is easier than after its sits for a long time;
- He uses a bore brush (brass) one size larger then the bore (for a .277, he uses a .284);
- Always use a bore guide and clean from the breech if at all possible to prevent damaging the rifling at the muzzle (I have an Otis flexible rod device but I have not used it yet; not sure if if will be rigid enough for pushing & pulling a bruch through);
- He names several cleaners for removing copper he likes, but I don\'t recall them. I use a bore foam & others I bought at a local Gander;
- He likes the Outers Foul Out system (several older guns he worked on needed several treatments);
- A clean bore may shoot to a different point of impact; Towsley cites missing a buck due to this. For this reason, he always hunts with a fouled barrel, I have always done this as well. The difference may be slight or it may be a lot, all guns/loads are different.
I now do more regular bore cleaning, especially on my AR\'s. Deer rifles would see 5 rounds at a range to verify zero. With an AR, 5 rounds doesn\'t cut it, it needs a 30 round magazine through it - at least!
Of course, here in NYS, you are now a felon for owning such a device.elky McElkerson
New member
- Mar 13, 2014
- 2,038
i rarely rifle shoot anymore.
it is amazing the leaps and bounds the gun cleaning industry has taken. sprays, foams, guides, work stands, etc. crazy!!
it is amazing the leaps and bounds the gun cleaning industry has taken. sprays, foams, guides, work stands, etc. crazy!!
archery bum
New member
- Sep 28, 2013
- 159
Not a big gun guy, so I\'m no help on this one.
Switching gears just a little, a very good cleaner for Muzzle Loaders is WINDEX.
Just be sure to oil after using as it cuts the all the oily, fouling residue and the remaining moisture will rust.
I haven tried it on high power rifles, but I bet it work there too
Just be sure to oil after using as it cuts the all the oily, fouling residue and the remaining moisture will rust.
I haven tried it on high power rifles, but I bet it work there too
