rifle cleaning

[-ben-]

Does everyone clean there rifle (centerfire) after every use or just after a certain amount of shots. I'm new to centerfires and wanted to check

Thanks Ben

[Underdog]

More importantly, using jacketed ammo means there is no protection from water induced rusting (somewhat alleviated with stainless). Do run a dry patch through the bore on returning home if nothing else to remove condensation.

Every barrel is different, some need a regular clean others hardly ever.

If it holds zero and groups as normal don't bother.

[fruity]

If the gun is moderated , I always take mine off and clean the moisture/residue off combined with cleaning

[Redgum]

used to be very anal about my cleaning regime as hated putting a rifle back in the cabinet without a real good clean. I found that this did alter the first shot out of a cold barrel, the most important shot from a hunting rifle. I eventually came across wipe out, a great copper cleaner, now I just run a dry patch down the barrel ( I always use a bore guide in my centrefires) if I have fire between 1 to 6 shots, just to make sure theres no primer debri left in the bore. When I feel its time for a good clean (30 or 40rnds) I use wipe out and wipe out accelerator, timing this just before a bit of zero checking session. A good clean makes a bit of difference to the 243 first shot accuracy but none to the 308. I always wipe the gun metal down with a oiled rag and lightly oil the bolt after each outing.

 

Ps I always leave gun in room temperature for a bit to get rid of condensation if cold outside before returning to cabinet and always take mod off.

Edited April 7, 2015 by Redgum