10-09-2012, 08:23 PM
This is a very controversial issue, bottom line, many, many cleaning methods work.
However, I feel compelled to point out there are actually multiple issues being discussed here.
1. How to best Clean my barrel
2. Fouled vs clean barrel point of impact
3. Cold bore vs warm bore point of impact
I travel with, lodge with, dine with some of the best high power competitors in the nation. There is no consensous on how to best clean a barrel. Many opinons are based on nothing more than joe blow did it this way and shot really high scores, or, national chamion X uses this method, or I have a Hawkey bore scope and know for sure this method works and this method doesn't.
I listen to all of them and form my own opinion, based upon my experience, and I tune my methods accordingly. I am one of those who bought a bore scope and routinely clean my barrel and inspect it. What I have migrated to is the use of Wipe Out patch out as my primary solvent, no brush ever, coper, bronze, or nylon. I use only pircing jags on a Dewey rod and 1 1/4" cotton patches. I clean this way for 300 rounds or until I detect copper fouling with the bore scope and then I use JB polishing compound to lap the throat and remove the copper. This keeps copper fouling to a minimum and prolongs barrel life. I do use Wipe Out Accelerator on the first patch only which seems to speed up the whole process but is only important to speed, the end results are the same.
As a testiment the Krieger service rifle barrel I used in the National matches this year had over 4,500 rounds on it and it shot accurately enough to win a medal in the national trophy individual match and my distinguished rifleman badge, #2107 since 1888. I know this method works, but that doesn't mean others don't as well.
Using this method, I've also won four cold bore X medals. That means that my first shot of the day at 600 yards from a clean and cold bore was an X which in turn means I hit a six inch cirle at 600 yards on the first shot using iron sights, from the prone position without a bipod, without a rest, only a sling. I know the point of impact if my barrel is clean, dirty, fouled, or any combination. That is your reasonable expectation if you are a rifleman. Some barrels are more forgiving than others and don't care, some are very discriminationg. You have to know your barrel, it isn't hard, just takes effort.
Here is a short article produced by the AMU, Army Marksmanship Unit, I know these team members personally and have the highest of respect for them. They usually know what they are talking about. http://www.shootingusa.com/PRO_TIPS/USAM...inter.html
Bob
However, I feel compelled to point out there are actually multiple issues being discussed here.
1. How to best Clean my barrel
2. Fouled vs clean barrel point of impact
3. Cold bore vs warm bore point of impact
I travel with, lodge with, dine with some of the best high power competitors in the nation. There is no consensous on how to best clean a barrel. Many opinons are based on nothing more than joe blow did it this way and shot really high scores, or, national chamion X uses this method, or I have a Hawkey bore scope and know for sure this method works and this method doesn't.
I listen to all of them and form my own opinion, based upon my experience, and I tune my methods accordingly. I am one of those who bought a bore scope and routinely clean my barrel and inspect it. What I have migrated to is the use of Wipe Out patch out as my primary solvent, no brush ever, coper, bronze, or nylon. I use only pircing jags on a Dewey rod and 1 1/4" cotton patches. I clean this way for 300 rounds or until I detect copper fouling with the bore scope and then I use JB polishing compound to lap the throat and remove the copper. This keeps copper fouling to a minimum and prolongs barrel life. I do use Wipe Out Accelerator on the first patch only which seems to speed up the whole process but is only important to speed, the end results are the same.
As a testiment the Krieger service rifle barrel I used in the National matches this year had over 4,500 rounds on it and it shot accurately enough to win a medal in the national trophy individual match and my distinguished rifleman badge, #2107 since 1888. I know this method works, but that doesn't mean others don't as well.
Using this method, I've also won four cold bore X medals. That means that my first shot of the day at 600 yards from a clean and cold bore was an X which in turn means I hit a six inch cirle at 600 yards on the first shot using iron sights, from the prone position without a bipod, without a rest, only a sling. I know the point of impact if my barrel is clean, dirty, fouled, or any combination. That is your reasonable expectation if you are a rifleman. Some barrels are more forgiving than others and don't care, some are very discriminationg. You have to know your barrel, it isn't hard, just takes effort.
Here is a short article produced by the AMU, Army Marksmanship Unit, I know these team members personally and have the highest of respect for them. They usually know what they are talking about. http://www.shootingusa.com/PRO_TIPS/USAM...inter.html
Bob