Wm Cook
posted this
28 August 2023
Recently I’ve had a brush with unexplained patterns while shooting groups. After 30+ shots things may be getting progressively worse. In the recent past this may have been camouflaged by trying different bullets in the same range session through a barrel that needed cleaning.
I think shotgunning can be caused by excessive pressure, the wrong powder or a poor bullet to throat fit.
Looking back over my notes I’ve found unexplained big groups that were recorded from time to time. That started me to question the cleaning frequency. I’ve never tracked groups to the cleaning cycle before. Often shooting 40 to 50+ shots between cleaning. Next trip out should add more information.
On the other end of the spectrum I think that I only need two fouling shots before going for record. The next trip will confirm that as well.
With this barrel, this powder, this charge and this bullet I have proven to myself that a clean barrel will not adversely affect group size. Like Pat said, there’s too many variables to declare a best method.
I’m going to fall back to my traditional jacketed bullet frequency of cleaning which is every 15 to 20 shots and see how things shake out. Thanks, Bill.
A “Measured Response” is as effective as tongue lashing a stuck door.