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To clean or not to clean


stuey
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Have always been advised not to clean my rifle barrels as this can play havoc with the zero and take many rounds to bring the accuracy back.

 

But what the heck, I was changing the ammo in both my 6.5 x 55 and my HMR so I thought I would give it a try. Ordered 2 Possum Hollow bore guides from MidwayUK and with some Tetra bore cleaner something or other I Bronzed both barrels then let them soak, before Bronzing again. I then pushed some patches through the barrels, and then finally a tip from another site - pushed some patches through soaked in white spirit to remove any oily residue and then evaporate dry.

 

Headed out this morning, setting up a target at 100yds (Leica 800 crf).

 

Managed the following with my Tikka T3 6.5 x 55 :

 

Lowest shot being the first, then shots 2 and 3 touching.

 

65.jpg

 

The following with my CZ452 HMR :

 

Again, lowest shot being the first, then the second shot with shots 3,4 and 5 touching.

 

hmr.jpg

 

 

Anyone notice similar/different?

 

 

Cheers

 

 

Stu

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The first shot with any cold barrel is likely to be in a different place. All barrels will shift the point of impact as they warm up. Its a fact of life. Its called creep. A lightweight deer rifle will make it more pronounced because there is less metal in the barrel. Thats why match barrels are so heavy, to dissipate the heat.

With some rifles you can see the shots walk off the point of aim in a line as the barrel gets hotter and hotter. All rifles do it, its not a fault.

 

Its not a reason not to clean your rifle. More rifles are ruined by not cleaning than are ever worn out with wear.

Edited by Vince Green
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Hi Mr. L,

 

I am going down that route - just got some Dies, and need a few other bits - press, digital calipers etc.

 

I am going to try Sierra 120grn Pro-Hunters over N160, or do you know of any alternatives?

 

cheers

 

stu

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