Cleaning between shots

Dave at Work · 08-18-2009, 04:48 AM

Is it necessary to clean between each shot or only when you start having a really hard time getting the bullet down the barrel? If you don't clean between each shot, does it affect accuracy much? I shoot with FFG Goex black powder and conicals.

nchawkeye · 08-18-2009, 05:11 AM

I always sight in with a clean, lubed barrel...With inlines I find it necessary to clean between each shot...

My flintlocks are more forgiving...I clean when shooting in competition...If hunting, the first shot is with a .018 patch and the 2nd is with a .015 patch which makes loading the second shot easier...

Bernie P. · 08-18-2009, 05:36 AM

Regardless of the gun or projectile type I always run a spit patch through between shots.

SWThomas · 08-18-2009, 06:19 AM

I use BH209 so swabbing between shots isn't necessary. But when I'm dialing in a hunting load I do it. I pull the gun out of the case, run a dry patch to get any extra oil that might still be in the bore. Then I run an acohol patch, then another dry one. Then I pop a fouling primer. Load up and ready to hunt. When working up a hunting load, I clean the bore completely out just like I would when I get home after a day of shooting. Then I perform the above steps before loading. I do that in between each shot until I get dialed in. Then I shoot for fun and forget about cleaning.

batchief909 · 08-18-2009, 07:12 AM

I swab between each shot. I also hunt on a clean bore. That's the best way to insure your first shot of the day will hit where you want it. I shoot 99% pure lead from my rifles. Good lead is getting too hard to find, and too expensive for me to waste any. (I cast my own)

driftrider · 08-18-2009, 03:31 PM

If you're shooting Goex black powder with conicals, you're probably going to want to swab after every shot for consistant accuracy, and just for ease of loading. Nothing worse that getting a conical halfway down the barrel and having it get stuck cause of fouling. Then you can either pull it or really work to pound it down (hope you have a good range rod). Spit patching takes just a couple minutes, and is worth the effort.

Another reason I love my Savage...

Mike