Cold bore shot

[highpower]

I shot a 10 round string and the first shot was 70 fps slower than the others. The barrel was newly cleaned. It was windy so I couldn't tell if there was significant change in POI. I'm trying to get the SD down.

 

[DShortt]

It's a given that the first shot on a cold, clean bore will be off group. And often a few more as well.
How much is the only thing to consider.

 

[One Eye Pete]

There is a big difference between the first shot through a cold freshly cleaned barrel and a cold fouled barrel. When I used to compete in tactical matches where the first cold bore shot counted I always made sure my bore was previously fouled with a few rounds the day before the match. With a freshly cleaned barrel all bets are off as to exactly where it will go, as stated above.

 

[mgunderson]

Not sure why you would add the first shot from.a clean barrel in your sd...... but OK. Try running a patch or two of rubbing alcohol and then a couple of clean dry patches. It will get you closer, but you still need a couple of shots for it to settle down.

There is a difference between clean and really clean too.

It is really matters, The barrel will be fouled.

 

[Clancy]

70 FPS is a lot, sounds like maybe you left some solvent in the barrel. That shot will be slow regardless, but lock ease will keep it in the group. I run one wet patch of lock ease and one dry patch after cleaning.

 

[Allen Corneau]

I did some load testing a just a few weeks ago and had the chrono running from the get-go. First shot out of a clean/cold barrel was almost 100fps slower than the next four shots.

It's just a thing you have to keep in mind.

Like others have said, don't go to the line with a squeaky clean barrel if the first shot counts!

 

[DShortt]

Not sure why you would add the first shot from.a clean barrel in your sd...... but OK. Try running a patch or two of rubbing alcohol and then a couple of clean dry patches. It will get you closer, but you still need a couple of shots for it to settle down.

There is a difference between clean and really clean too.

It is really matters, The barrel will be fouled.

I'd not fire a round down a squeaky-clean bore with no treatment at all.

Like running an unlubed case in your sizing die, except that bullet is going to exit the barrel leaving copper or lead behind depending on the bullet composition.

1 shot and you've got a mess.

How do I know? Been there and done that more than once.

 

[60723]

I treat all rifles the same. Clean after every match(35-45 rounds). Only shoot 300 and 600 with BR and variants. I run a patch with Lock-ease down after clean and dry. First shots usually 30-40 fps slow BUT with some rifles the shot is really close to POA and with some the shot is significantly lower. Go figure

 

[Hipshoot]

I wouldn't even hunt with a clean barrel! Cold----Yes!

Due to the fact that when I hunt there is only---------

1 Shot---1 Kill !!!

 

[EEP]

Everyone is telling you the right thing. Your observation is normal. I always delete the first 2 rounds if gathering data like ES or SD. I also shoot the first one in the dirt bank in short range matches as I know it’s normal drop. At mid & long range it’s good to see it low where you expect it.

 

[Dolomite]

Same thing happens to mean about 70-100 FPS slower on the first cold clean bore. I use lock ease or oil or make shift graphite in alcohol. For me the light coat of oil in the barrel kept the 1st shot closer to the avg FPS but it doesn't impact the same spot on the target as the rest of the shots.

 

[1shot]

As other have said, it's best to have something with lubrication properties in the bore for the first shot. I use colloidal graphite and coated bullets. The first shot may be 20 fps. slow, but is still within group in all my rifles. In my previous life I could count on my work rifle to shoot 1/4 MOA low and left at 100 yds. Hence my screen name. This was recorded and could be counted on for a little over 11 years of monthly qualifications.
I hope this helps,

Lloyd

 

[209jones]

Over the years I got to where I test first shot cold bbl with a dirty barrel over a period of time. This time of year, I have the time to do that, take the gun out, shoot some foulers, let it get cold whilst I shoot something else, check POI shift from day to day, cold to a second shot. Over time a person sees what it is doing, what results to expect, where to actually establish your POA to establish a good POI on that first shot. Doesn't take all that many shots, shows you what that load is really doing. I usually cut that target out, mark POI vs POA on it, assemble them all after I have enough to see the picture and see the real overall picture of what the load and gun do over time. Come hunting season, I foul it with 4 shots, tape the end of the barrel with elec tape, don't touch again unless I need to, til end of season.
At a match, usually have time to fire a few foulers or groups or whatever, so I don't really worry about that first shot too much in that case. Depends what you are doing, what you need to do right away as to how to deal with it, and putting enough time and shots into it to have a proper knowledge of what will usually happen on a first shot vs second shot.

 

[gpoldblue]

I shot a 10 round string and the first shot was 70 fps slower than the others. The barrel was newly cleaned. It was windy so I couldn't tell if there was significant change in POI. I'm trying to get the SD down.

That's why I always put the 1st 1 or 2 into the bunker before I start anything in order start with a fouled bore. Good luck and stay safe.