300 RUM 210 Berger Accuracy

[Engineering101]

Somebody explain this to me - please. The attached target was shot starting with a clean/cold bore, 200 yards, 45 degrees F, no wind and about 750 feet elevation. This is about as good as I can shoot and it will do this for rounds number 1 through 15. At round number 16 it falls off a cliff and goes over 2 inches and stays there. If I clean the rifle, it comes right back to shooting as good as I can shoot it.

The barrel is a $95 Savage factory surplus barrel, that I got new off Numrich's site so it is not a custom barrel by any means. It is stainless, varmit contour, 26 inches. What inside that barrel do you suppose is causing this? What would you do if you wanted to make is shoot good for more than 15 rounds?

 

[MudRunner2005]

If it's getting copper-fouled that quickly, have that barrel hand-lapped by a smith with professional lapping equipment. Might help accuracy, but if done right, will certainly help with your copper-fouling issues.

 

[Barrelnut]

Just be careful what you do. You have a rifle that's an absolute hammer for the first 15 rounds. Don't want to take a step back from that!

I have a factory barrel that shoots somewhat the same. I run a bore snake through it every 25 rounds and full clean after 100.

I would try a bore snake very 15 rounds and see if it helps. Second would be Mud's suggestion. Third or lastly you could try fire lapping with the Tubb's Final Finish system.

 

[MMERSS]

What would be the issue of cleaning every 12 to 15 rounds? Do you shoot your 300 that much to where you don't have the time to clean between 15 shot strings? If it ain't broke why try to fix it! It's ultimately your decision.

Have the barrel scoped if curious. No harm in knowing what the barrel looks like before and after 15 shots. Whatever appears in the scope I would still be hesitant to change a thing unless you must for whatever reason....your reasons.

 

[Engineering101]

Sounds like the verdict is copper fouling. I suppose that makes sense. I get a lot out of the barrel when it is cleaned so it is there for sure. I've got a Brux that picks up no copper ever no matter what bullet or how many rounds I put down the tube. I basically don't have to clean the gun so I kind of got spoiled. I'm running the 180 Bergers at 2,950 fps out of that barrel which is moving pretty good out of a 26 inch 7mm WSM - but still no copper. I paid a tad more than $95 for that barrel however. I wonder how Brux does that? I guess I need to learn more about barrels. For now I suppose I shouldn't be fixing what ain't broke for 15 shots. Thanks for the thoughts.

 

[Kennibear]

My Savage is pretty rough so I would guess copper fouling for sure. The up side is that shooting it will smooth it out. Break it in will help. Mudrunner's idea of a professional lapping is spot on. A good smith will not harm the barrel and I've seen some dogs tighten up a lot. Numrich carries rejects not surplus. Savage doesn't dump good barrels onto the surplus market. That one didn't pass the muster for some reason. But it shoots pretty good by the looks of it.

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f19/proper-barrel-break-70088/
This thread is a good start on breaking the barrel in.

Some barrels only shoot well when they are clean. Some need to be fouled a bit. Only women are more perplexing than barrels.

You live a hop, skip and a jump from me (Federal Way). We should have coffee.

KB

 

[Engineering101]

Kennibear

I get down to Sportsman's in Federal Way every couple of weeks in a desperate attempt to find bullets/brass/primers/powder - usually on Tuesdays when their shipments come in. I'll drop you a line next time I'm fixing to go.

 

[TJAY]

I would give this stuff a try. It may not make it shoot good longer but it sure will make cleaning easier.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/cata...d=145&osCsid=196caa8de2d8aacc8aee352a85505394

 

[Triple BB]

Since we have a couple Federal Way'rs, either of your guys know if they still have the seafood buffet at the Muckleshoot in Auburn?

 

[Engineering101]

Triple BB

I don't know about the buffet.

 

[Kennibear]

Quinalt Beach Resort and Casino in Ocean Shores WA. Best Sunday Brunch this side of Nevada. The Quinalt Tribe puts a five star spread out on Sunday morning. I have friends that drive the 240 miles round trip just for their brunch.

'Nuff said...

KB