Misc observations in reloading, a puzzle...

[Koda]

So whats the scoop about barrel corrosion when not cleaning for long times? Isnt it bad to let carbon and copper stay in the barrel?

 

[DizzyJ]

So whats the scoop about barrel corrosion when not cleaning for long times? Isnt it bad to let carbon and copper stay in the barrel?

I think if it's extended periods of time the carbon can attract moisture. Copper I'm not so sure of it being an issue. I also keep the guns in a safe with a dehumidifier. To date I haven't had any issues.

 

[Koda]

I think if it's extended periods of time the carbon can attract moisture. Copper I'm not so sure of it being an issue. I also keep the guns in a safe with a dehumidifier. To date I haven't had any issues.

It must be long term storage, seems like the majority of people keep their barrels fouled to maintain their accuracy... the majority wouldn't do that if it hurt the barrel. I'm shooting solid coppers and have read from them they like a clean bore. But now that Ive got some experience with them my velocity seems to like a fouled bore.

 

[Koda]

A while back I shared a post about a Bryan Litz video on cleaning barrels and my impression was his technique supported regular cleaning.
He found a clean bore will produce lower velocities so recommended a regular cleaning regimen to maintain consistency.

So lots of opinions on this from both ends.

 

[DizzyJ]

A while back I shared a post about a Bryan Litz video on cleaning barrels and my impression was his technique supported regular cleaning.
He found a clean bore will produce lower velocities so recommended a regular cleaning regimen to maintain consistency.

So lots of opinions on this from both ends.

Either cleaning regularly or not cleaning regularly. Consistency is key. Problem is it's no longer a clean bore after your first shot.

 

[Koda]

Problem is it's no longer a clean bore after your first shot.

Yes, this is the heart of the matter we also need to practice marksmanship. This makes me rethink the strategy Litz seems to suggest... at least how I understood it, but it seems odd that he would suggest more cleaning so maybe Im missing something from that. I'll have to rewatch that with a fresh perspective.

 

[DizzyJ]

Yes, this is the heart of the matter we also need to practice marksmanship. This makes me rethink the strategy Litz seems to suggest... at least how I understood it, but it seems odd that he would suggest more cleaning so maybe Im missing something from that. I'll have to rewatch that with a fresh perspective.

I don't doubt what he says but we need to know the equipment, application and methods he uses that makes it work for him.

 

[Koda]

I don't doubt what he says but we need to know the equipment, application and methods he uses that makes it work for him.

True, and note for him and his application might not work for me.
I feel like this clean bore discovery is like fitting one more puzzle piece learning to reload. Ive been wanting to learn how to lower my ES and been stumped, but wonder now if I leave my bore fouled maybe I wont record the fouling shots. Been focusing on the handload technique, but not on the other legs of the triangle, rifle and shooter. (ammo, rifle, marksmanship).

 

[Mono1]

I'm a Dirty Bore Guy myself.

Depending on the caliber the rifle should gradually become more and more accurate (meaning group sizes should keep shrinking) until somewhere around 250 to 400 rounds. For me I notice groups opening back up near the 300 shot area.

Once they open up its time to clean well and start over again.

There have been many studies on this. Seems to be a debate for the ages.

Don't get me wrong, Chambers and Bolt Faces get cleaned quite regularly, but BARRELS According to the above.