When does accuracy go?

[Benjerman08]

I shoot a long range .243 ackley and it does great. Somewhere around 40-60 shots, I can't hit squat until I clean it. I am told I should get more out of it between cleanings with the boron dtac 115s. My question is, when a barrel fouls, whether from copper or carbon, does it go all at once or gradually from the time you start shooting clean? I have never figured this out. Just trying to keep from wasting shells and primers. If someone has this answer, maybe I can come up with a number where I should just go clean instead of waiting until it won't shoot as good and I get frustrated. Thanks to all.
TF

 

[Klong]

I had a 338 RUM that had a well known custom barrel and it was a tack driver for the first ten shots. After ten, 1 wet patch and 1 dry and it was good to go again. I suspected carbon!

 

[jr600yd]

Good qestion!

Each barrel is different. Some seem to never need cleaning others go to #$%^ after only a few rds. Maybe you shold just clean it after 40 rds or so and not worry about it.

 

[jo191145]

At short range (200yds) I usually see a barrel beginning to foul out begin to "walk" bullets out of a tight group. Usually always down and to the right. After four of five walkers they go wild. If this happens before a specific # of rds that I've set as a limit I know I'm using the wrong powder for this barrel.
I'm quessing you are shooting at greater distances which would make seeing a pattern more difficult.

Copper or Carbon? It does make a difference which is which even with HBN.
If copper fouling is causing the problem a slightly dirtier powder can help.
If carbon is the culprit try a cleaner burning powder.
Every barrel is different in this regard.
Total # of rounds down the tube has an effect also. If you notice it starts fouling sooner than new your seeing age kick in.

The easiest answer to save components may just be to clean it at 35-40 like jr600yd suggested.

 

[Benjerman08]

Ok, thanks. Not that big of a deal knowing I should just clean at 40, just wondering what other people see when it "is time" to clean. JR, glad you replied...mine goes low also. I am blessed with an 800 yard range out of my front door, so rarely shoot less than 600.

 

[cmillard]

i always clean after 25 shots in my ar-15. now when it comes to my .300 win mag shooting 240 sierras, i clean every 10 shots. not just because of fowling but i want the barrel to last as long as possible