old gun still fouling

[upacreek]

I have a ruger .270, SS barrel. The gun is almost 20 years old. Maybe 250-300 rounds shot. The gun has never shot better than 2" groups@100. Sent gun out to be accurized. After 1 shot copper is visible between a couple lands. Any suggestions how to stop the fouling?

 

[elkaholic]

I have a ruger .270, SS barrel. The gun is almost 20 years old. Maybe 250-300 rounds shot. The gun has never shot better than 2" groups@100. Sent gun out to be accurized. After 1 shot copper is visible between a couple lands. Any suggestions how to stop the fouling?

You might try firing some "bore grinders" down it. I haven't used them personally, but have heard they can work. It may not be the fouling that is the accuracy problem. Rugers are famous for poor bedding. I would check the barrel/fore end clearance as first priority........Rich

 

[upacreek]

Several bore cleaners have been used and the smith stricktly advised no more abrasive cleaners. He is out for the weekend and after 1 shot I don't want to proceed without knowing how to deal with the copper fouling. All I know to do is clean the copper then shoot once and reclean like a new barrel break in. Does anyone have any other suggestions or advise?

 

[Broz]

After 1 shot copper is visible between a couple lands. Any suggestions how to stop the fouling?

I doubt that copper "between a couple lands" is an issue after one shot. I would be more concerned with copper on top the lands (rifling). Especially if it is on one or two lands in particular. Also know if you are seeing this at the muzzle end , looking in with a light this could be normal in that area.

What bullets are you shooting in it?

What copper cleaners have you used?

Jeff

 

[upacreek]

Bullets are hornady. Cleaners have been amonia based. I can't remember which one. The gun was shelved due to poor performance. Now time to give it another chance. Should I ignore the copper I can see and just shoot it? Or something more elaborate?

 

[Broz]

Well, I will take a stab at a suggestion. Lets say this is a rough moly barrel from the factory that had little or no break in when new. And lets say it has had several different bullets fired through it with different alloy jackets over the years in an attempt to find a load. This rifle could be severely copper fouled. If it were mine I would buy a bottle of BoreTech CU+2 and a bottle of C4 and start a very lengthy cleaning session to remove all copper in an attempt to start again. And I would use no other cleaners, BoreTech only.

If that didn't work I would rebarrel it.

Jeff

 

[barnesuser28]

Well, I will take a stab at a suggestion. Lets say this is a rough moly barrel from the factory that had little or no break in when new. And lets say it has had several different bullets fired through it with different alloy jackets over the years in an attempt to find a load. This rifle could be severely copper fouled. If it were mine I would buy a bottle of BoreTech CU+2 and a bottle of C4 and start a very lengthy cleaning session to remove all copper in an attempt to start again. And I would use no other cleaners, BoreTech only.

If that didn't work I would rebarrel it.

Jeff

+100 Boretech is the only way to go IMO

 

[elkaholic]

Bore tech is all I use and I agree with Jeff provided you have eliminated bedding problems. I assume though, that since your smith has looked at it, he would have mentioned Ruger bedding. Often, the only problem is the barrel touching the forend at some point. It doesn't take much!......Rich

 

[HARPERC]

I've been playing with the foam cleaners here lately with good effect. The Outers electronic cleaner works well also. If your bedding is correct, and the bore is clean, I'd fire lap it with one of the kits available. I've seen #1's, and #3's that would drive tacks, but most won't. That said its likely you can improve what you have. Have you tried other bullets? What scope are you using?

 

[MontanaRifleman]

I've had a couple of situations like this and what I do first is thoroughly clean the bore. I also use Bore Tech and/or Wipeout. Bore tech will be quicker. A barrel like this may take 7-10, 8 hr Wipeout soakings but will be less labor intesive and a lot less patches. Once the bore is clean, I have it borescoped by a knowledgeable experienced smith before wasting anymore time or $$$ on it.

If you're using ammonia based cleaners you probably still have some copper fouling in the bore. That might be your problem or you might just have a bad barrel.

One thing with to consider with Rugers is the angled front action screw. You want to make sure it isn't touch anything and is properly torqued down. It has been the cause of a lot of accuracy issues with Rugers over the years.