Ladder tests

[Flare]

For you that do them or know about them, does having a clean bore versus having a fouled barrel make much of a difference in the consistency of the test? I did back to back ladder tests (15 shots each) starting with a clean barrel. I'm worried that the dirtier it gets the more it may not be consistent when I come back to visit the accuracy nodes. I hope that makes sense.

Corey

 

[Savage 12BVSS]

Just an observation, after a couple shots the bore is fouled and remains so for the rest of the ladder. I don't clean till its done myself, 30 and even 40 shots till cleaning is fine in my book. I even let the bore dirty after shooting in each year before hunting for same reason. First two shots I consider the fouler's and then it gets serious with POI.

 

[Flare]

Thank you I'm the same on hunting I always go with a fouled barrel but this new rifle of mine shoots to the same point clean it fouled

Corey

 

[FatOldMIHunter]

Every gun is different and you might find that yours is more consistent with less than X shots through the bore than more than X shots. X for one of mine is about 70, so I always clean it before then. With another gun it's 50 and with another gun it doesn't seem to matter.

 

[Flare]

I really have not shot it past 30 rounds I guess I will have to try it

Corey

 

[Mikecr]

does having a clean bore versus having a fouled barrel make much of a difference in the consistency of the test?

Yes, of course it does. I'm sure you already know this

 

[Varmint Hunter]

IME, a squeaky clean bore ALWAYS shoots differently than a mildly fouled bore. Most of the time the point of impact is different for each of the first several shots. And even if the first shot or two lands in a group of fouled shots the velocity is always different. (lower)

Typically, a barrel with 3-4 fouling shots under its belt will shoot more consistently and stay that way for 30rds or more but this varies with each gun/cartridge.

That's just my experience, others may have seen different results when starting a ladder with a freshly cleaned bore..

 

[Flare]

Yes, of course it does. I'm sure you already know this

Yes and no that's why I asked
Corey

 

[misterc01]

Mine shoots better after a few shots. Am getting ready to do a seating depth test, and the first four are fouling shots.