Cleaning barrel during load testing?

[jmad_81]

Guys how often do you or do you clean your barrel if you load testing two or three different loads for one gun. I typically clean after every two "loads" or five shot groups. Am I over doing it or is it necessary? Another thing when you guys are testing for big game hunting rifles do you shoot three shot groups or five? I tyipicaly shoot three then let the barrel cool a minute and shoot two more.

Thanks.

 

[YoteSmoker]

Don't know if this is right or wrong but I clean and dry out prior to going to the range. Shoot a fouler or two. Shoot my groups of test bullets (15 rounds normally, 3 shot groups (initial testing). I clean and dry and shoot a fouler or two before trying another set of different bullets or powders. If you shoot ladders or groups just be sure to allow a uniform time for the barrel to cool for consistency and to minimize vertical stringing.

 

[OU812]

This what I do when load testing. First I get a base line with factory ammo that shoots well in my gun if possible, gives a data point to refer back to if needed.

I will fire 2-3 fouling rounds to dirty the barrel and let it cool prior to shooting for load work. I also tend to shoot slowly when testing a new load, plenty of barrel cool down time between shots. I myself won't clean the barrel until I'm done for the day OR the gun is telling it's time due to a loss of accuracy because of either copper or powder fouling.

If looseing accuracy is the issue this is where the factory ammo comes in to place. I'll shoot 2-3 rounds and see how they print compared to the ealier shots of the same ammo. If they shoot poorly now and shot well ealier it's time to clean the barrel or look for other accuracy causing issues.

I my self shoot 3 shot groups for my big game rifles. Once I find a load me and my gun likes, confirmed with several 3 shot groups I will shoot a 3 shot group spread out over several hours to check my first shot placement for repeatability (want a very cold barrel). With this I'm trying to duplicate the conditions I will be using my gun when hunting, dirty 2-3 fouling shots and cold barrel. It's my first shot I'm most concerned with.

Just my .02, YMMV

 

[old #7]

I shoot a couple of foulers then start shooting.
I typically take three guns out to the range. I rotate guns. This keeps my barrels cool and me busy. I take a shot, record the info and move to the next gun. By the time I get back to the first rifle the barrel is cool. I have found that leaving the bolt open and standing the rifle on it's butt in the SHADE will allow air to rise through the barrel to aid cooling. I typically shoot between 20 to 25 rounds per rifle while doing work ups and group testing. I don't clean until I get home.
You may be cleaning too frequently. Some rifles will group better with a slightly dirty barrel. My 30-06 performs better with five or more foulers.

 

[jmad_81]

Sounds like some good tricks that make sense if a guy really stops to think about it. I'm going to be doing some load work for my 270 WSM, and 375 Ruger. I might have to bring the .17 and a few pistols to keep me busy and not get impatient.

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

Lots of great idea's here.
I typically bring 1 box of 20 work up loads per rifle per trip. Each with 5 loads, 4 rounds per load. Easier to keep track in the boxes that way. If I'm more concerned about chronograph results, 4 loads, 5 rounds per load.
Obligatory fowlers, and recording between shots, shoot one string, rotate rifles. I'll usually have work-up loads for 3-4 rifles.

 

[HunterJim]

I pay more attention to what the rifle wants in the way of cleaning. Usually my rifles will go more than 20 rounds without cleaning, and that is usually about the number of rounds I will shoot in a load development session.

I do pay attention to barrel cooling too, and I agree that testing multiple rifles at the same range session helps to keep me entertained.

jim

 

[flyfish]

What a great site!

I am getting ready to do some load work too and here I find this post. Some great info to help me out!!!!

Can't wait to get out there and start putting holes in some paper. Hopefully this weekend.

I posted a while back that my wife bought me a cronograph for my B-day.
This weekend I gave the cronograph a try. The loads I tested from my 243 were about 300fps slower than the Nosler manual. Not sure what that means exactly or what if any conclusions I should draw from it.

But it's fun/interesting to see how fast they're realling going.

 

[Guest]

Without trying to hijack the thread, I suspect what you're seeing in your chronograph readings is the difference between the minimum-spec chamber in the Nosler testing and your production chamber, as well as the difference in barrel length (I'm betting you have a 22" barrel, while the Nosler manual likely tested with a 24" barrel). 300fps is a lot of speed to be off, though. I'd start looking at that pretty closely, but come to think of it, depending on what powder you're using, you may also be seeing some temperature related velocity loss, as it's still pretty cold in most of the country.

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

dubyam +1
Brass and Primers can make a large difference too!

 

[old #7]

Dubyam stayed at a holiday inn express again.
+1

barrel length, make and number of groves will all add up.

 

[Powerstroke]

The only thing in my opinion I can add is on the hunting rifles.. or any for that fact.....
3 shot groups test the rifle, 5 shot groups test the shooter.......I know what kind of shot I am, so I shoot 4 shot groups..... :grin:

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

You and me both Powerstoke. :grin:
Dubyam and 6ppc Know their stuff, you should listen them.