As for the spit patch.. I never spit in my rifles. I use alcohol to swab the traditional rifles and alcohol/windshield washer fluid on the inlines. It seems to stop the misfires and hang fires. Also I never seem to have enough spit when I need it. Also I always dry patch after loading.

The fowled barrel aspect can be very true. I will not claim 6 inches, but I have seen a definite 2" difference in some of my rifles. My White for example on a clean barrel will shoot 2" low every time. After that it behaves perfect and shoots where the scope says. So I have just learned to shoot 2" high on a clean barrel. It is also very consistent with this, so that is a benefit to me.

My Knight Disc is another rifle that on a clean barrel will shoot off the POI. I am a firm believer in fowling the inline rifles. The traditional rifles shooting roundball do not seem so fussy for some reason. They might be off an inch or so, but I can live with that.

The best thing to do is go to the range, shoot your rifle on a clean barrel and note where it hits. Then note the fowled barrel. Each time you shoot do the same thing. Pretty soon the rifle will show you a pattern of accuracy that you can then work into your hunting routine or adjust your hunting routine to satisfy your needs.