Author Topic: Fouling shot? (Read 658 times)

Michiganiac · « **on:** November 07, 2005, 03:00:52 AM »

I have figure out that my Omega shoots better after the first shot. The question is, when I want to shoot a fouling shot before I go hunitng, can I shoot a blank load (powder only) and get the desired effect? Or do I have fire an actual shot?

BTW, I found my favorite omega load - 110 grns (volume) APP shockey's gold behind a T/C 300 grn shockwave.

Thanks in advance,

Bill

Striderman · « **Reply #1 on:** November 07, 2005, 06:27:45 AM »

No! I once forgot to put the bullet in my omega at the range after I fired the gun the barrel had 5 x the amount of crud then if I had fire it with a bullet. I had to pull the breech plug and clean the whole works.

My Omega shoots the 1st kcand 2nd shot in the same hole at 100 yards. 3 50rg 777 pettets and 300 grain shock wave.

Bim · « **Reply #2 on:** November 07, 2005, 01:56:42 PM »

Why not clean after every shot?

jgalar · « **Reply #3 on:** November 08, 2005, 01:20:38 AM »

Some people pop a cap or two before loading to make sure the ignition path is clear. I always put a standard load of powder in (without projectile) to check the ignition path and burn off any oil in the lower barrel area. I don't know if it will provide the proper fouling as an actual shot, but you should give it a try.

TCAS · « **Reply #4 on:** November 08, 2005, 01:10:12 PM »

I would duplicate EXACTLY what you are doing at the range. If this means firing a shot then so be it,

This is what I do, then a quick spit patch (I know some who use alcohol patch) now your ready to hunt.

When I used pyrodex fouling the barrel really helped followed by a spit patch. But since I switched to 777fff powder and small rifle primer instead of 209's it's not really a problem for shots under 150 yards. But I do it anyway just in case oppourtunity presents itself.

TCAS

NimrodRx · « **Reply #5 on:** November 08, 2005, 02:26:48 PM »

In years past I have used my hunting load for a fouling shot. Spit patch. Then reload. The gun stays outside. If I haven't had cause to fire it again after two days, I take it apart and do a thorough cleaning.

This year I switched to Barnes Expanders. They're pretty pricey so I hate to just throw one into the bank. Figure I will use one of my old Buffalo Bullets for the fouling shot (still with my standard 100 gr 777).

Not wanting to wake up the neighbors at 0-dark-thirty or scare game, I've always been looking for a quiet fouling shot. My answer has always been to just foul it the night before the hunt (away from my spot). Randy Wakeman offered an alternative that I am going to try. Just use 40-50 grains of powder with a sabot, no bullet. He claims it is much quieter and will still adequately foul the barrel.

Bim, there's a difference between running a few patches down the bore and really cleaning the gun. A couple patches in the field are no problem, but there's no way to do a complete cleaning while in the field. I think Michiganiac was talking about a fouling shot after a thorough cleaning.

Greenhunter · « **Reply #6 on:** November 29, 2005, 05:43:12 PM »

I always fire 50 grains of pyrodex off in my barrel before loading. I also swab the bore once before I actually drop my hunting load down the barrel. It works for me everytime.
I had problems with my first shot from a clean barrel being a flyer, now I don't.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 30, 2005, 02:36:44 AM »

I shoot at the range with a clean barrel and I load a hunting load on a clean barrel.