32-20, evolution and update.
Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2022 3:09 am
Just an update on my 32-20 fast-twist rifle (BAS Martini 12/15, 1:12 twist barrel) and the current status. Didn't work as much with it as I would like to until recently, but restarted 2 weeks ago.
Initial performance was a bit lackluster, with too much vertical on target, no matter what the load/bullet was. So I decided it was time for a thorough clean with a carbon cleaner and barrel polish (the stuff from Bore Tech - carbon remover and chameleon gel). Yes, that gave an improvement, but enough.
So I decided to retest my cleaning routine. Earlier tests had indicated the barrel needed 2 moist and 1-2 dry patches between shots, which didn't work now. So I decided to start over - and to my surprise, it will now perform very well with a single moist patch between shots. Quite a surprise indeed, I can only come up with 1 explanation:
When the barrel was new, it was still a bit rough & unpolished, retaining more fouling/moisture - hence needing a more thorough cleaning routine. Now the bore is quite a bit smoother from shooting/cleaning, and the single patch seems to be enough. I never noted this in my larger calibre rifles, but here it is with this little .30 bore.
I can certainly 'feel' that the bore is quite a bit smoother compared to initially, but I never thought it would have such a impact. I just might decide to retest PP bullets once more, who knows?
Initial performance was a bit lackluster, with too much vertical on target, no matter what the load/bullet was. So I decided it was time for a thorough clean with a carbon cleaner and barrel polish (the stuff from Bore Tech - carbon remover and chameleon gel). Yes, that gave an improvement, but enough.
So I decided to retest my cleaning routine. Earlier tests had indicated the barrel needed 2 moist and 1-2 dry patches between shots, which didn't work now. So I decided to start over - and to my surprise, it will now perform very well with a single moist patch between shots. Quite a surprise indeed, I can only come up with 1 explanation:
When the barrel was new, it was still a bit rough & unpolished, retaining more fouling/moisture - hence needing a more thorough cleaning routine. Now the bore is quite a bit smoother from shooting/cleaning, and the single patch seems to be enough. I never noted this in my larger calibre rifles, but here it is with this little .30 bore.
I can certainly 'feel' that the bore is quite a bit smoother compared to initially, but I never thought it would have such a impact. I just might decide to retest PP bullets once more, who knows?