Recommend swabbing barrel when working up loads?

[orionsoracle]

Again,I ask for your knowledge and opinions. Yesterday I ran roughly 20 rounds through my 10ML11. I shot 3 different bullet/sabot scenario's. Do you recommend running a patch with solvent every now and then to clean the barrel out? If so,how often and what to use? I would think that you would almost need to swab out with alcohol to prevent any residue,thus possibly lubing the sabot. Your thought and opinions please,and I thank you Gentlemen.

[tar12]

This is my take on the OEM barrel.It is rough! IMO, this roughness is a accuracy deal breaker! IMO,you need some fouling in the bore to help smooth out the speed bumps! My routine for the OEM .50 cal barrel is to get it dialed in.Completely clean it,including breech plug. Prior to hunting season shoot it a couple times to confirm your zero and I do not touch it again until the season is over or 35 shots which ever comes first.I have found time and time again that shooting dirty is the way to go.Others will tell you differently.Try both ways and see what you end up with.

[killitgrillit]

Same here as Tar, mine likes it dirty

[whyohe]

Unfortunately its is a trial and error on that too some times. I have 2 tight bore Savages and cant go more than 5 with out a good cleaning. but since you have 20 threw it yours might not be as tight. the best thing for working up loads is consistancy. If you dont do a thorough cleaning at the range, then try just running a brush down the bore every other shot or so, wich ever helps your accuracy. just some more things to consider to confuse you LOL. ;D

[zakjak221]

Mine is also a dirty shooter--must be fouled for better accuracy.
As mentioned, you gotta try your gun with clean vs dirty & see what the groups do-open up or tighter. That will be your answer.

Mark

[Richard]

I consider what my (read SW's) method to be just a very mild cleaning/conditioning between shots. I take a patch and put (4) drops of Rem. bore cleaner on it. I run it in and out (1) time. Then I follow with a clean patch in and out (1) time. Then reload. After that shot, I re-use those same two patches only turning them over. No new bore cleaner added. This goes on for my five shot groups. Then discard and start over with new patches for my next group.
For me? I just like the feeling of the bullet/sabot going down the barrel smoothly. Some find when shooting dirty that they have difficulty getting some bullet/sabot combinations down after a few shots. If your combination is loose to start with, this may not occur. This is also why those shooters usually have to get a few shots down the bore before the gun starts to group. I size my bullet/sabots so they fit my "semi-clean" bore. Every shot feels and seats the same way.
Try various methods and use what you are comfortable with
Richard