Are Howa's factory test fired? Heavy copper fouling before I fired it.

[McHaggis]

I gave my new HCR a quick clean before firing it for the first time and couldn't believe how much copper fouling it had. I would have pushed at least 20 patches through it and it was still just showing signs of green.

I'm thinking this is an indication that this has been fired way more than just a test firing????

 

[DukeDuke]

You may be surprised by how much copper a few shots can accumulate in the bore.

 

[mongo chicago]

You may be surprised by how much copper a few shots can accumulate in the bore.

Especially if it was a pressure test load.

 

[McHaggis]

Well I was surprised. I guess manufactures alway test fire before they package new firearms?
I cleaned after each shot and was surprised at the amount of copper fouling. And these were light loads. 38gr H4350 140gr ELM-M's.

 

[JohnKielly]

What solvent are you using?

Bronze or inert jag?

 

[McHaggis]

What solvent are you using?

Bronze or inert jag?

Bore tech CU+2. I’m not completely sure if it’s an inert jag. I did test it and it seems ok. The end of the rod less so.

 

[KWeigel]

Yes, I believe they are. My Howa fouled early but after 20-30 rounds settled right in. And is by far the most accurate factory rifle I have owned. Only have shot 140 eld-m bullets with 4350 and am completely satisfied. I remember thinking it was fouling easy early on but have lost focus on it. It shoots great so I simply shoot it and clean when I am not going to be using it for a while, typically 50 rounds or so...

 

[Bbear]

I would imagine that all manufacturers test-fire a rifle before it goes out the door. I know Sako/Tikka does a two-step testing - proof loads that are 2x maximum pressure and then fired for accuracy guarantee. Watched them do it on a tour one time in 2002.

 

[LHSmith]

I would imagine that all manufacturers test-fire a rifle before it goes out the door. I know Sako/Tikka does a two-step testing - proof loads that are 2x maximum pressure and then fired for accuracy guarantee. Watched them do it on a tour one time in 2002.

Not too sure about 2x max. pressure test load...the case is only designed to handle a certain amount of pressure and much more than that the factory techs would be hammering bolts to open them and milling out the case head from the bolt face.

 

[hikfromstik]

My 223 Howa 1500 is a heavy fouler , but my 6.5 Grendel mini is a light fouler . The 223 1500 is a laser and the Grendel is lucky to get under an inch . Go figure

 

[Clearlight]

Not unusual . I see a lot of 1500’s at my local , and advise new owners
to clean thoroughly before use . Same with hammer forged Tikkas ,
once you do the initial clean , Tikkas in particular seem to show very
little copper and don’t need a ‘ break in ‘ as such , as stated in the
owners manual .

 

[McHaggis]

I cleaned after each shot and got about 6 very green patches out each time. I hope it settles soon.

 

[chrisj]

Pretty sure all firearms are test fired. Too much legal liability to not test before shipping.