dirty accuracy.

[mtbugle]

I have seen several times on here recomendations to shoot em dirty as often the accuracy is cleaned right out of the barrel. I was wondering how many rounds on average does it take for your cleaned rifles to get there accuracy back? Handies and other brand barrels experience welcomed.
Thanks Don.

[Spanky]

My only Handi's that shoot good after cleaning are my 44mag and 45-70. All the rest of them shoot like crap for 5 or 6 shots.
My 44mag is probably the most consistent. It shoots to point of aim whether clean or dirty. Even the first shot after cleaning is on target.
My 22hornet is probably the most finicky. It never shoots to point of aim after cleaning. It always takes at least 3 or 4 for it to settle down.



Spanky

[Default]

Spanky ,

  I have found my newer 44 to be the same, as far as clean or dirty.. Its always seems good to go ..

[Lazermule]

So what would cause these rifles to shoot better dirty?  Loose bore?

LM

[manatee1947]

I would suppose that the amount of friction would then remain constant. The only way to really test would be to thoroughly clean after each shotband see how the accuracy is when every shot is fired from a clean barrel.

[petemi]

I really don't know.  I never really checked it, but I always put a few rounds, up to a half dozen, through a clean barrel before I use it.  I clean a bore when I can no longer see though it   Seriously, I think another bullet going through a fouled bore takes the excess crud with it, and the remaining junk forms a tight seal between barrel and bullet....therefore, accuracy.  I would think, a totally clean bore would have some blow by and other factors, perhaps some wobble that would mess with accuracy.  I'm a firm believer of being lazy.  With my muzzle loaders, when I clean them, I put a couple of rounds through them for fouling and then make sure the breech plug, nipple or pan etc is clean.

Pete

[Spanky]

I'm a firm believer of being lazy. 
Pete

+1 on that.
Great minds think alike.



Spanky

[cwlongshot]

I am NOT one that subscribes to the dirty is better for barrel accuracy. I DO agree with a fouling shot or three before a group, but NOT cleaning is not a good idea. ALL my hands and firearms get a regular cleaning after shooting or after the "season".

I shoot pistol competitions and my rimfire pistols get cleaned three times a year. My 45's get it every quarter.

I have quite a few that will shoot MOA groups to prove my point. A a matter of fact, the ONLY one I have that will not is my 500. I'm still working on that one...

Suffice it to say like us, every firearm is different. Don't take ANY of the advice given here as the rule or as gospel. Try it in your guns and let your guns decide what they prefer..

CW