Shooting All Day Long

HEAD0001 · 12-25-2010, 12:11 PM

Looking for some different opinions on shooting. So I would like to put together a little scenario and have you guys talk to me about how you handle such a scenario.

I am thinking about doing all my groundhog hunting next year with a FL rifle. Normally I hunt for 5 to 6 hours in an afternoon. So hopefully I will be shooting 5 to 15 shots in a six hour period. What type of shooting, cleaning, and loading regiment do or would you guys follow in order to do this. Would you swab or clean between shots?? To what degree?? What type of lube would you use?? Just general information. I think this could be a fun topic. So step in and tell me how you do it.

Normally I always clean completely between each shot. And I still may do that. But I am just wondering if anyone is having any luck doing it differently. Thanks alot, and have a Merry Christmas!! Tom.

nchawkeye · 12-25-2010, 01:31 PM

You'll need to test the gun to see how it responds...Some need a decent cleaning to be accurate and some don't...My .54 does very well shooting 2 balls with an .018 patch and then going to .015 patching for ease of loading...

My .40 has to be thoroughly cleaned between shots to stay accurate...Only testing will tell you...

I would start with a damp spit patch between shots and see how that does...

HEAD0001 · 12-25-2010, 02:59 PM

Do you think a "spit patch" is a good idea if it could be loaded for 3 or 4 hours at a time?? I always thought "spit patching" was OK if you were shooting and cleaning in a short period of time. But was never too sure about leaving a water wet patch in a barrel for hours at a time?? Just asking---not criticizing. I know that it is easier to keep shooting a rifle with a spit patch. And that certain greases seem to attract fouling. I am just trying to see what works for different fellows. Thanks, Tom.

nchawkeye · 12-25-2010, 03:23 PM

I don't patch the ball with a spit patch, just run a damp cleaning patch down the barrel followed by a dry patch to give it a light cleaning between shots...I then load up as usual...This has never hurt my rifles and one is over 30 years old...

I learned decades ago that you might get 2-3 shots out of a fouled barrel before you get one started down and then it stops...Then you have to come home to get the range rod and puller to get that stuck ball out...It's just easier to me to keep that fouling under control while out hunting and loading with a ramrod...At the range you could actually hammer that ball on down but not in the field...

cayugad · 12-25-2010, 04:34 PM

Consider the distances you might encounter. Then go to the range and see what kind of accuracy you have. With a flintlock and good powder I have shot as many as six shots before the accuracy was failing. That was out to 50 yards mind you. And the spit swab is a good way to take out the fouling. Spit patch and then dry patch. It really does a good job in the field for field cleaning the bore.

Semisane · 12-25-2010, 07:41 PM

I would carry a pocketful of patches and a small squeeze bottle of 91% Isopropryl, and swab after each shot. Not fully clean, but a wipe with both sides of the patch.

Also, when I know a patched ball may be in the barrel more than ten or fifteen minutes before the next shot I use a wool wad between the powder and patched ball. I use mostly olive oil for a patch lube. Even though my patches are almost dry to the touch and oil contamination of the powder is unlikely, I like the extra insurance of a wad.