DING DING DING DING DING

WE HAVE A WINNER!


I would also definitely have to say you need to be cleaning after every shot. A lot of the powder doesn't burn, plus you get plastic fouling pretty quick from the sabots. I have read in several places where they state that this is a must when shooting groups.

As to the Simmons scope, the Aetec is a pretty decent set of glass. It may be the only decent one they make, but that doesn't really matter much. As to hurting the scope, I would suggest pulling off the top ring of the one that was loose. Look to see if there are any serious scratches or dings. If there is none, I would say it is probably fine. I had a base come loose on a 338 Win Mag once, and it didn't hurt that scope at all. And I fired 7 rounds before noticing it.

Good luck.