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Rifle fouling
Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2022 7:15 pm
by Molegunner
;)Hi everyone!!.I have a 44 magnum and my rifle shoots better fouled.. Is this normal.. After cleaning it takes about 8 or so rounds thru it before it settles down.. Now I guess I will not clean it until I have issues. Is this what I should do???
Re: Rifle fouling
Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2022 8:36 pm
by RanchRoper
Your call, my 1860 Henry likes to be clean and ready to rock.
Re: Rifle fouling
Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2022 8:40 pm
by GunnyGene
Molegunner wrote: ↑Mon Jun 20, 2022 7:15 pm
;)Hi everyone!!.I have a 44 magnum and my rifle shoots better fouled.. Is this normal.. After cleaning it takes about 8 or so rounds thru it before it settles down.. Now I guess I will not clean it until I have issues. Is this what I should do???
What you are chasing is called Barrel (or fouling) equilibrium. It's of great concern to the extreme long range guys (1500yds or more), and they will record absolutely every aspect of every shot, including the weather, tracking barrel temp after every shot, etc. . You can chart this precision/accuracy and it will show you when to clean your barrel. I'll recommend watching this series of video's by Rex, or at least those that pertain to barrel equilibrium and cleaning. There's a lot to learn, so take your time.
In particular Part 40 from the playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KRUAv3 ... n&index=40
Re: Rifle fouling
Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2022 10:37 pm
by GFK
To me, a clean bore is a good thing. It should help fight against corrosion. I assuming your groups are tighter after 8 rounds or so? If so, one of the articles discusses rifle accuracy. The other is 44 magnum specific. For me, I like to be around 2" or less groupings at 100 yards, using a scope. Open sight, I consider a 4" or less grouping as good. However, give Henry a call, if you think your rifle is not performing as it should.
accuracy:
https://www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowle ... 1%E2%80%9D.
44 magnum:
https://www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowle ... agnum.html
Re: Rifle fouling
Posted: Sun May 07, 2023 9:35 pm
by Mgderf
A few questions not yet addressed.
How old is this rifle? How many rounds, and of what type projectiles? More full house .44mags than .44spls?
Is there a chance your issue may be caused by copper fouling?
Too many copper jacketed rounds can lead to copper fouling in the barrel grooves much like leading, but generally much more difficult to remove.
Have you scoped the barreled ( camera inside?)
There are several good products on the market for removing copper fouling.