Ok, I know this topic has been beaten to death. I've searched and read for hours. As shooting technique changes so does cleaning. So, I have a brand new GAP Crusader. I broke it in per GA Precision instructions. I have always been a clean when brought home from the range kinda guy. What is everyone's opinion on how many rounds between cleanings. I would especially like to hear from GAP owners with high round count and still having good accuracy.
Cleaning a Bolt Action
- Thread starter SKS Guy
- Start date
Re: Cleaning a Bolt Action
I have an FN SPR A1 and my cleaning practice supported by the gunsmith my family uses is what you described. Shoot it come home and clean it. This may seam simple but it will be nice to here what others are doing.
Good thread!
I have an FN SPR A1 and my cleaning practice supported by the gunsmith my family uses is what you described. Shoot it come home and clean it. This may seam simple but it will be nice to here what others are doing.
Good thread!
Re: Cleaning a Bolt Action
I clean out the debris in my action and chamber as needen which is about every 100-150 rounds in my GAP 308. I only clean the bore when groups start to open up which is about every 400 rounds or so. Got about 1300-1400 rounds down the tube and it shoots bugholes at 100 and has shot as tight as 1.75" 5 shot groups at 600 with 175smk and 185 Berger VLD handloads. Haven't shot my new GAP 6.5 Creedmoor enough to know ho w much it will need to be cleaned yet,this one was also built on the Templar action.
I clean out the debris in my action and chamber as needen which is about every 100-150 rounds in my GAP 308. I only clean the bore when groups start to open up which is about every 400 rounds or so. Got about 1300-1400 rounds down the tube and it shoots bugholes at 100 and has shot as tight as 1.75" 5 shot groups at 600 with 175smk and 185 Berger VLD handloads. Haven't shot my new GAP 6.5 Creedmoor enough to know ho w much it will need to be cleaned yet,this one was also built on the Templar action.
Re: Cleaning a Bolt Action
+1 with dimar1492. Aslo when I do clean out the bore, I chemiacally clean it and use only patches, no brushes inless it's way undersized and I wrap a patch around it.
+1 with dimar1492. Aslo when I do clean out the bore, I chemiacally clean it and use only patches, no brushes inless it's way undersized and I wrap a patch around it.
Re: Cleaning a Bolt Action
Clean it when it no longer shoots to par. I prefer to let the chemicals to the work and only use nylon brushes when needed. Saves the crown.
Clean it when it no longer shoots to par. I prefer to let the chemicals to the work and only use nylon brushes when needed. Saves the crown.
Re: Cleaning a Bolt Action
I pull a bore-snake thru just before I start to shoot. I can't tell you the last time I actually sat down and cleaned my bolt-guns. Maybe 600-700 rounds ago. However, I probably don't shoot as often as many here.
I pull a bore-snake thru just before I start to shoot. I can't tell you the last time I actually sat down and cleaned my bolt-guns. Maybe 600-700 rounds ago. However, I probably don't shoot as often as many here.
Re: Cleaning a Bolt Action
At the end of a case (500 rounds) or when accuracy suffers, whichever comes first.
At the end of a case (500 rounds) or when accuracy suffers, whichever comes first.
Re: Cleaning a Bolt Action
For years after my discharge from USMC, I had this overwhelming need to clean any weapon as soon as possible after using it. Over time, I realized that especially with precision rifles, it often takes 5 to 20 rounds for them to settle into their best accuracy after I clean them. So, I'll wipe any carbon or crud off the bolt lugs, raceways, recesses, and using a dry patch get as much out of the chamber as I can.
I don't do the bore until I have around 100 rounds or more through them. I might pull a clean dry cloth through the bore (using a crown protector), but solvents, or copper removing solution is only used when a thorough cleaning is desired.
I log the date of the cleaning, and what was used (hoppes, or sweets 7.62) to clean the rifle in my log book. That way, I know how many rounds since last cleaning with Hoppes, or with Sweets.
For years after my discharge from USMC, I had this overwhelming need to clean any weapon as soon as possible after using it. Over time, I realized that especially with precision rifles, it often takes 5 to 20 rounds for them to settle into their best accuracy after I clean them. So, I'll wipe any carbon or crud off the bolt lugs, raceways, recesses, and using a dry patch get as much out of the chamber as I can.
I don't do the bore until I have around 100 rounds or more through them. I might pull a clean dry cloth through the bore (using a crown protector), but solvents, or copper removing solution is only used when a thorough cleaning is desired.
I log the date of the cleaning, and what was used (hoppes, or sweets 7.62) to clean the rifle in my log book. That way, I know how many rounds since last cleaning with Hoppes, or with Sweets.
Re: Cleaning a Bolt Action
After every session:
1) patch wraped around nylon brush soaked in alcohol and then until patches come out clean (usually 2-3).
2) patch with few drops of CLP through the bore and I let the CLP work for 24 hours, then until patches come out clean, then degrease with alcohol
After many rounds (1k and more) I have an Abralon brush to clean the bore more thoroughly with CLP.
I also clean more thoroughly if I shoot in a very dusty environment (disassembly of bolt etc.)
This procedure has been recommended by a professional and seems to work. My TRG shoots well, I didn't notice any changes.
After every session:
1) patch wraped around nylon brush soaked in alcohol and then until patches come out clean (usually 2-3).
2) patch with few drops of CLP through the bore and I let the CLP work for 24 hours, then until patches come out clean, then degrease with alcohol
After many rounds (1k and more) I have an Abralon brush to clean the bore more thoroughly with CLP.
I also clean more thoroughly if I shoot in a very dusty environment (disassembly of bolt etc.)
This procedure has been recommended by a professional and seems to work. My TRG shoots well, I didn't notice any changes.
Re: Cleaning a Bolt Action
On my last range session my very last group was my best ever. I'm not sure if the barrel was getting seasoned or I just shot better. It was after the most rounds had been thru the rifle without cleaning. It was on rounds 29-32. I'm gona take the advice and not clean the bore so much. Thanks guys.
On my last range session my very last group was my best ever. I'm not sure if the barrel was getting seasoned or I just shot better. It was after the most rounds had been thru the rifle without cleaning. It was on rounds 29-32. I'm gona take the advice and not clean the bore so much. Thanks guys.
Re: Cleaning a Bolt Action
I clean my GAP with Bartlein barrel between 150-200 rounds. I've noticed when I clean more often than that my groups open up about a 1/4". After 20 rounds it tightens up again.
I clean with an Otis kit. (3 powder, 4 dry, 4 copper, 1 dry, 1 powder to dilute the copper, 4 dry)
I could easily go longer without cleaning but this is the most I can get away with cleaning with out seeing changes in my groups.
I clean my GAP with Bartlein barrel between 150-200 rounds. I've noticed when I clean more often than that my groups open up about a 1/4". After 20 rounds it tightens up again.
I clean with an Otis kit. (3 powder, 4 dry, 4 copper, 1 dry, 1 powder to dilute the copper, 4 dry)
I could easily go longer without cleaning but this is the most I can get away with cleaning with out seeing changes in my groups.
Re: Cleaning a Bolt Action
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lofty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So how do you guys clean your chamber. Whats the most effective way without doing any damage.
just a chamber brush and a mop? </div></div>
I use an old .45 brass bore brush and wrap a patch around it wet with Hoppes powder solvent. I then repeat with dry patches until the patches stop coming out dirty.
I clean the barrel first, then chamber and then mop up any left over solvent with Q-tips.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lofty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So how do you guys clean your chamber. Whats the most effective way without doing any damage.
just a chamber brush and a mop? </div></div>
I use an old .45 brass bore brush and wrap a patch around it wet with Hoppes powder solvent. I then repeat with dry patches until the patches stop coming out dirty.
I clean the barrel first, then chamber and then mop up any left over solvent with Q-tips.
Re: Cleaning a Bolt Action
Just my two cense. But I agree with a prescion rifle that if you clean them all of the time you will get adifferent cold bore impact. I find that I have about 1/2 - 3/4 inch difference with a clean cold bore from a dirty cold bore. I have found that I do not clean my rifle until I put about 200-300rounds or I notice that it is opening up. I also have found that after I clean it I will shoot a couple round to help ensure consitant cold bore accuracy. Of course I also use the same lot of ammmo.
Just my two cense. But I agree with a prescion rifle that if you clean them all of the time you will get adifferent cold bore impact. I find that I have about 1/2 - 3/4 inch difference with a clean cold bore from a dirty cold bore. I have found that I do not clean my rifle until I put about 200-300rounds or I notice that it is opening up. I also have found that after I clean it I will shoot a couple round to help ensure consitant cold bore accuracy. Of course I also use the same lot of ammmo.
Re: Cleaning a Bolt Action
My brother got out of USMC training and of course took with him the nearly obsessive-compulsive need to clean, clean, and reclean a weapon after usage. It took him a few days with our dad's Tikka to realize he was just hurting his accuracy. The Tikka seemed to develop the best accuracy from around 20 rounds out to 200 or so.
My brother got out of USMC training and of course took with him the nearly obsessive-compulsive need to clean, clean, and reclean a weapon after usage. It took him a few days with our dad's Tikka to realize he was just hurting his accuracy. The Tikka seemed to develop the best accuracy from around 20 rounds out to 200 or so.
Re: Cleaning a Bolt Action
I clean when the groups open up. Heck my .264 winmag won't shoot for crap till it's got 20 rounds down the tube.
I clean when the groups open up. Heck my .264 winmag won't shoot for crap till it's got 20 rounds down the tube.
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