hey everyone just trying to get some opinions on the subject. i have read a few different methods but what i have picked up is that you do actually want some copper fouling in the barrel. my dilemma is that this is my first brand new rifle and i not knowing i was doing anything wrong ran 100 rounds through it within the past weekend. now i am wondering if i have damaged the barrel by doing this or where i should go from here. also are there any no nos in this department. i have always used hopes no. 9 on all my rifles and cleaned them every 100 rounds or so and used a brass brush. all of my previous rifles i was happy with moa groups though and never expected any more out of them. lastly i have noticed the more rounds down the barrel of this rifle the tighter groupings i have been getting. any info is appreciated as always.
Like you I was new to LR shooting 5 months ago and did hours of research online. I have both a Barrett MRAD and used custom RWS Rem 700r 308 for shorter distances (800 or less yards) and for CHEAPER practice. What I concluded was you need the right cleaning equipment-appropriately sized bore guide, coated single piece cleaning rod, alloy jags (instead of brass), nylon brushes. I use Bore Tech Eliminator cleaner, Kano Kranoil, and Bore Tech grease (for the bolt).
After placing the rifle in a gun vise, I run a patch or 2 soaked with the Eliminator down the barrel and let it sit for a minute or two. Follow that with dry patches until carbon and copper show up only minimally on patches. Then run a patch through with a few drops of Kranoil followed by a chamber mop (20 gauge shotgun mop) to clear the chamber and lightly grease the bolt areas of wear. Rarely need to use the nylon brush and would avoid harshly brushing the crown area.
Don't clean again until accuracy starts to fade or if I need to store the weapon for a long period. May lube the bolt from time to time in the interim. I feel more barrels damaged from incorrect or over cleaning than shooting. Also avoid long strings of shooting without allowing the barrel to cool.
Remember just my opinion and you need to find what works for you. Good shooting. I hope this helps !!!