NEVER clean the BARREL of a precision rifle!

Published on February 6, 2022
Duration: 11:21

This experiment challenges the necessity of deep cleaning precision rifle barrels, suggesting it may not improve accuracy and could even be detrimental if not followed by a fouling shot. Testing a Savage 10 Tactical in .308 Win, the rifle maintained sub-MOA groups with a dirty barrel. Mild cleaning showed no significant change, while deep cleaning resulted in slightly wider groups, potentially due to heat and lack of fouling.

Quick Summary

Deep cleaning a precision rifle barrel may not improve accuracy and could even be counterproductive. Testing a Savage 10 Tactical .308 Win showed sub-MOA groups with a dirty barrel, and deep cleaning resulted in slightly wider groups, potentially due to heat and lack of fouling.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Barrel Cleaning Debate
  2. 00:21F-Class vs. PRS Cleaning Styles
  3. 02:34Bore Scope Inspection: Copper Buildup
  4. 03:29Dirty Barrel Baseline Accuracy
  5. 04:43Mild Cleaning Test Results
  6. 06:42Deep Cleaning Procedure
  7. 08:38Super Clean Barrel Accuracy Test
  8. 09:36Conclusion: Is Deep Cleaning Necessary?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cleaning a precision rifle barrel improve accuracy?

In this test on a Savage 10 Tactical .308 Win, deep cleaning did not improve accuracy and slightly widened groups. Mild cleaning showed no change. The findings suggest deep cleaning might not be necessary and could even be detrimental without a fouling shot.

What are the differences between F-Class and PRS barrel cleaning methods?

The F-Class/Benchrest approach typically involves deep cleaning to maintain pristine barrel conditions. In contrast, the tactical/PRS approach often favors mild cleaning to preserve a consistent cold bore shot, avoiding aggressive cleaning that might alter the barrel's fouling state.

What was the accuracy of the rifle before deep cleaning?

Before any deep cleaning, the Savage 10 Tactical .308 Win rifle, even with a visibly fouled barrel containing copper and carbon, achieved sub-MOA groups. This established a strong baseline for comparison in the cleaning experiment.

What happened to accuracy after deep cleaning the rifle barrel?

After a thorough deep cleaning down to the bare metal using products like JB Bore Bright, the rifle's groups actually widened slightly. The speaker theorizes this could be due to heat buildup from rapid shooting and the absence of the usual fouling layer.

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