ML noob - need help!


JDAWG

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This summer I purchased a CVA electra 50 caliber to hunt with this yr. I am confused as to when or how often do you need to clean this gun. After each shot? After 5 shots? I was shooting at the range today and started at 50 yrds, the first shot was dead in the center ring (shot from a rest), the next few were close only 2-3 inches to the right. I then moved to 100 yrds and I started hitting all over (all shot from a rest). I run some cleaning pads down the barrel, wipe it out then right around the 10 ring. Would 5 shots make such a difference? Any advise is appreciated.

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It all depends on what powder you are using. If you are shooting black powder, Pyrodex, or Triple 7, I definately recommend swabbing with a spit patch between each shot followed by a dry patch. Definately so with T7 powder, it forms a nasty crud ring and can be a pain to get the bullet seated on top of the powder after multiple shots w/o cleaning. Yes, swab between shots is the best method. Yes, I do this in the field also.

If you are using the latest new powder called Blackhorn 209, you can shoot over 30 shots without cleaning or swabbing the bore, with no loss in accuracy.

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I have a CVA Inline that I bought last year and I shoot Pyrodex pellets out of it. I run a few patches through the barrell to keep the rifling and such clean. After I get it home from the range I completely clean the whole thing...and it's normally quite a job. Definitely keep that thing clean though, the powder is very corrosive and shouldn't be left in the gun for long.

Did you get a cleaning kit w/ your muzzle loader? After cleaning it up, that 'bore butter' seems to work wonders to keep it lubricated and rust-free.

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To distill and reiterate the correct advice above:

Between shots run a moist patch (spit or windex are good) on a jag down the barrel followed by a dry patch. You may need to do this more than once for optimal accurracy.

After hunting or a range trip, you will need to break down and very thoroughly clean your entire weapon. As pointed out, black powder and most of its substitutes are very corrosive in that they attract water and hold it there to very quickly pit and rust your firearm.

After a thorough cleaning a thin coat of oil or other lubricant to insure displacement of any residual water and to protect from humidity are certainly in order.

Read Bluelk's ML chapters. Rich was a good fella and really knew his ML's. Best of luck, and we'll see you in the pages of the Longhunter!

HB

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