So this may be a topic for Long range Hunters . Give you my take . I hunt ground hogs at long range . Between 300 and 800 yards . I purposely look for the fields where this is possible . So most if not all competition shooters foul their barrels before their competition starts . This is because their cold clean barrel will have a different speed /ES /SD and impact point if they didn’t . As a hunter I clean my barrel if I shoot it once or multiple times after every hunt , I have seen barrels ruined do to rust pitting by letting the gun stored dirty especially for a long period of time. So I map each gun I hunt with , I shoot cold clean bore shots ( cleaned with abrasive ) and cold bore shots ( clean with Patch Out and a brush ) I allow 40 shots after a clean with abrasive before I clean with them again only cleaning with Patch out in-between . So I shoot 1 shot at a target at 100 on 4 different days in different temps to see what the speed / group and point of impact is with cold bore ( no abrasives ) I do the same at 300 yards . I compare them to my 5 shot groups after the barrel is fouled to see how close they are . I found that if I clean with abrasives my speeds will be off by up to 40fps so after I clean with them I purposely shoot at least 2 shoots on target then I will clean with Patch out . So the gun is now so called clean . I also use Lock ease to coat the barrel and help with first shot . This is what some Bench rest shooter use and it does help . My first shot with this method is only 10fps off my 5 Shot groups and are in the same point of impact . So I never have to foul my gun in between my 40 shots which I may only shoot 1 shot or 2 each day and my gun is never sitting trying to rust or pit . I have shot on 4 different days and temps and achieved .25 groups with 1 shot each day using the same target . My longest shot so far this year is 694 yards on cold clean barrel . once you map the shots , you’re done with the gun . Now you know how it shoots cold clean bore ( no abrasives) Just my process , What’s yours ?
R,
You’re right about the fouling shots during a competition. I do that regardless of whether I’ve recently cleaned to clean steel or not.
I have a friend who shoots things for a living, and must “cold bore” shoot in four seasons. When he “maps” his rifle he shoots one round at 100 yards, walks down to check and mark it, walks back to do it again and again until he’s satisfied.
After that, he map his following shots, but, as you know, once you know your map, it doesn’t take a lot of rounds to re-prove your rifle.
I have one rifle outside of competition that doesn’t get shot a lot, but it’s my “light” 6mmBR, with a 3B Bartlein barrel. It rides around a lot, but doesn’t get shot a lot. It doesn’t get cleaned a lot either. I can confidently dent a small target out to 500 yards with it, and follow it up. It’s done its damage out to 800 yards, but needs better glass to be counted on at that distance.
What I’ve discovered about the cold bore shot is that, while it may be off the group, it’s not far off the group with a well maintained rifle. It’s something that can be predicted with practice.
Thank you for your response . I truly believe and have a barrel or 2 that can prove if you have the right load , Bullet and barrel , cold bore shots are in the group and speeds you desire . I always recheck zero in the conditions ( temp) that I would be mostly hunting in to make sure it’s ready to go . I’m careful with my ammo in the sun also . Big changes can happen with Hot ammo . Glad to know I’m not the only one who just doesn’t want to blow ammo into the dirt . Happy Hunting !