when to clean for testing

[rp85]

hello;

it's getting about time to check out how just accurate my 2 handies are, 223 rem./ 243 win.  it's possible with different powders, different powder weights, and different bullets to have 50 or more rounds for testing in each rifle.  note, must fire at least 2 rounds in each rifle they will group.  any one care to suggest when to clean a barrel during testing.  thanks for any input.

rp

[243tom]

I was brought up to clean a gun after any shooting.  But with these rifles,,, mine shoot better dirty, and it bugs the heck out of me to put them away fouled.   But I know that if I want to go in the field with them and hit where I aim they gotta be fouled.
When they're cleaned and lightly oiled it takes maybe 4/5 shots before they shoot where they shot the last bench session.
So keep that in mind after you clean your guns.

[stimpylu32]

What works for me is to run a dry bore snake down the barrel between test loads . Just to wipe the crud out .  

[rp85]

hello;

don't think a dry bore snake will work.  fired the 243 @12 times, ran a dry brush and then a dry patch to remove some "crud".  shot the rifle to see what would happen, yep the first shot was 3" high, next shot right where it belonged.  pickie sucker.

rp

[stimpylu32]

rp45

It seems that your rifle likes a fouled bore, Some do , My 223 does not .

You may not want to clean it till you start to see your groups start to widen .

My 270 does not seem to matter much clean or dirty it still shoots good .

[Mac11700]

I clean for testing when it's needed...if I switch anything...I will start with a totally cleaned barrel....if shooting the exact same load...I'll clean if and when the groups opens up...other wise I don't..

Mac