New guy load testing

[Tango02]

G'Day to all,

I'm new to BR shooting and have what may be a dumb question about load testing. When testing new ammo should you clean between each type or just run some fouling shoots of the new brand?

I'm also looking at an entry level BR rig....the Anschutz 64 Sporter Benchrest isn't currently available around here but the Anschutz 64 MP R is. Can anyone say if there's an appreciable difference other than the stock design?

Sorry about the "new guy" questions. Any advice is appreciated.

Rob

 

[Buzzardab]

Buy once cry once,I started out that way,bought a 64 Annie it was ok but couldn't tow the line.call Dan Killough and talk to Paul Tolvasted he can find you a good used 22 bench gun that will compete.He is at at the Jr. Olympics training center as we speak running the portable eley test equipment.

 

[Tim s]

Generally, you want to completely clean between brands. On a new gun, don't go more than a box without cleaning.

 

[PaperSniper999]

G'Day to all,

I'm new to BR shooting and have what may be a dumb question about load testing. When testing new ammo should you clean between each type or just run some fouling shoots of the new brand?

I'm also looking at an entry level BR rig....the Anschutz 64 Sporter Benchrest isn't currently available around here but the Anschutz 64 MP R is. Can anyone say if there's an appreciable difference other than the stock design?

Sorry about the "new guy" questions. Any advice is appreciated.

Rob

Rob, I'm pretty much in the same boat. I have an Anschutz 1903 which is a fun gun to shoot, but its stock isn't well suited to shooting with a Sinclair front rest. I am looking at upgrading to an Anschutz 1913 BR-50 or something similar.

Not sure how the cleaning routine goes with other shooters, but here's what I do:
1. Clean barrel with one wet, then two dry patches.
2. Fire five, 5 shot groups
3. Change ammo, and repeat

I have not noticed any big difference between the first and second of my 5 shot groups, but I'm pretty sure that between the cleaning (above), and firing the first 5 shots with that ammo, that I have removed any traces of the previous ammo........if I'm wrong someone please tell me! (I'm shooting at 50 yards and try for days where the wind in under 5 kts).

Doug

 

[Shynloco]

G'Day to all,

I'm new to BR shooting and have what may be a dumb question about load testing. When testing new ammo should you clean between each type or just run some fouling shoots of the new brand?

I'm also looking at an entry level BR rig....the Anschutz 64 Sporter Benchrest isn't currently available around here but the Anschutz 64 MP R is. Can anyone say if there's an appreciable difference other than the stock design?

Sorry about the "new guy" questions. Any advice is appreciated.

Rob

Rob,
I just recently sold my Anschutz 64mpr solely because I wanted to build a new competition grade AR. But do not under-estimate what a 64 MPR can do when in the hands of an experienced Shooter. About 5 years ago, I decided to try my hand at Benchrest Rimfire local competition, but needed a rifle capable of competing with various competition grade rifles. After speaking to a couple experienced and well established Rimfire experts and builders of custom rigs, they pointed me toward Anschutz for 50 yd competition. One, a good friend of the Anschutz brothers in Germany and who tests their new models for best ammunition results, recommended the 54 action, but said a 64 action would hold it's own in the right hands. So I bought a new 64 mpr, put a Freeland/Anschutz rest adapter and a Harrell Tuner I bought and had it drilled by Dan Killoughs guys. After extensive ammo testing of ALL the major brands of Rimfire Ammo available, I settled in on Federal Ultra Match UM22, that after a friend ran out of Federal UM1, which the US Olympic Team used back in the early 90's. I then engaged in several local Matches and usually placed in the top three out of some 15 shooters, who were shooting customer rigs and even a few Anschutz 54 actions. Bottom line, the rifle shoots, though I freely admit, the 54 action is the better action.

As far as cleaning, and this per the author of "Rifleman's Guide To Rimfire Ammunition" (Steven Boelter), at least patch the barrel (with a wet patch and a few dry patches) whenever you switch to a different rimfire ammo. Better yet, take a nylon brush down the barrel a few times and then wet & dry patch. The lubricants on rimfire ammo are different by manufacturer and you get the best performance after the barrel is fouled with the ammo you intend to test. During my testing process, it would take my 64mpr 15 - 20 rds down the tube for her to come in for competition quality and consistency.

Sorry for the long winded dissertation.

Alex

 

[Fotheringill]

Please take a look at your Anschutz manual. Mine, at least, states that 4 or 5 fouling shots (in a 1913A) are needed after a cleaning of the barrel. For my rifle, it is more like 7 or 8, so cleaning after every five or ten shots is counter productive. I have also found with my rifle that accuracy will drop off after about 75 rounds. If you use a Harrel's tuner or any other that goes over the muzzle, the tuner must also be cleaned after the 75 rounds. There is an amazing powder build up in there.