Barrel copper fouling

[Jevans1117]

I just cleaned my factory Savage barrel (.308) and I’m getting ready to go out and check zero before a match 2 weekends from now. How many rounds is necessary to get the good copper back before checking/adjusting zero. Also I run factory Gold Medal with 175 SMKs but I’m wondering if I can use some federal premium 150 ballistic tipped hunting loads to fill the fouling back in or if it’s recommended to use the gold medal?

 

[JeffLebowski]

Copper is copper, you are overthinking this. Two-five rounds, see how it shoots, let the gun tell you. Don’t overthink this.

 

[Jevans1117]

Haha that’s what happens between my ears. I can’t hardly help it. Thank you!

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

Some guns take up to 20 rds or so to settle in. If you have a stick that coppers NEVER clean it until the groups open up. I've seen guys at the range who would clean every trip, then wonder why it took a box or so for it to shoot decent again.

 

[Chasing3]

I agree with Gunfighter14e2. All guns are different. I don't clean my barrel every time except for running a snake through it to take out the excess carbon and it seems to shoot the same. When I do a deep clean because I know I won't be shooting for awhile it seems to take 20 or more rounds.

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

Most copper is throat related, this is why I never allow a gunsmiths house reamer, to be used on any barrel I'm having installed. I buy the reamer an allow him to use it on my barrel an my barrel only. The 300wm A19 reamers I own have cut two barrels one a Rock Creek the other a Bartlein neither have ever copper'ed. To test my theory I had a Factory tube that copper'ed bad set back, an the chamber was cut with my reamer, it never copper'ed there after.

 

[Jevans1117]

Most copper is throat related, this is why I never allow a gunsmiths house reamer, to be used on any barrel I'm having installed. I buy the reamer an allow him to use it on my barrel an my barrel only. The 300wm A19 reamers I own have cut two barrels one a Rock Creek the other a Bartlein neither have ever copper'ed. To test my theory I had a Factory tube that copper'ed bad set back, an the chamber was cut with my reamer, it never copper'ed there after.

Wow, thanx for data!