Shoot it clean or dirty?

[bilesteve]

Last week I installed (I hope correctly) the o-ring on my Synthetic Superlight and went to the range. It seemed that I had to start all over zeroing my rifle as I was off about 2" in either direction from my previous week's shooting. It was so much so that I asked a worker at the range who was zeroing rifles if he would look at my scope and see if it was loose. He checked for looseness and parallax and said it was fine. Then he asked me if I had cleaned the barrel before I came to the range and I told him that I had done so. He said rifles usually shoot better from a slightly fouled rifle.

I will head to the range this week and wanted opinions as to whether I should do a full and thorough cleaning, or go with the rifle as it is. ( I shot about 40 rounds last week) Basically I am wondering if it is true whether a Handi will shoot better dirty than clean.

Thanks.

[JPH45]

I wrote a response, but this goofy software that is being used has eaten it, sorry, JP

[handirifle]

bilesteve
I'd say it depends on your rifle.  Using modern smokeless powder usually never hurts, its the primers that can cause issues on short term.  

Long term storage might cause problems, but if your gun shoots more consistant dirty, then after a long range day, clean it then fire enough rounds that put the Point Of Impact  where you left it and put the gun away.

That's how I use mine and so far no problems.

By the way, all my rifles shoot different from a clean bore than a dirty one, not just NEF's

[Mac11700]

It's also my understanding that the Superlights heat up rather quickly and the groups start going South with continued firing...try 3 shot groups or wait several minutes between firings and see if that helps....getting frustrated and rapid firing will only cause your groups to get worse...


Mac

[Greybeard]

I wrote a response, but this goofy software that is being used has eaten it, sorry, JP

Again I tell you the software we use has NOTHING to do with your problem. The problem is in your own computer and that is where the only fix lies.

Each barrel is a rule unto it's self. But I never ever clean a barrel after my final sight in for hunting season until season ends. If things get really wet maybe a dry patch down the bore but nothing more.

Forty shots from a cleaning to the need for the next is not enough to affect accuracy. But with some barrels it is. Some can easily go 200 or more. Only your barrel can tell you these things.

But if I'd fired 40 shots and were going back to the range for a final check I'd chean thoroughly to get out as much copper as possible and then fire 2-3 fouling shots and do the sight in. Fire one more group after sight in with cold barrel to verify all is well. Then don't touch that barrel again until season ends.

[Fred M]

greybeard.
It is a pleasure to note that you are really trying to help someone in distress. Perhaps your help is not wanted since it is totally ignored. But maybe you know the old saying?

You can take a horse to the water, but you can't make him drink.

Yes these computers can drive you up a wall at times.

[Joel]

My 45/70 throws the first shot high and to the left from a clean bore.... Ialways use it dirty.  My 22 Hornet barrel shoots just fine from the getgo clean.  My Krag doesn't care....my Ruger #1 does shoot the first one high from a clean barrel..etc.  As a rule, I always use a fouling shot; easier than trying to recall who does what.