Barrel Cleaning, Fouling Shots & First Shot POI

[ks_shooter]

I'm curious how others on this board clean their barrels. I find that if I really clean my barrel good, that I can expect the first couple of shots to be several inches off zero until the barrel gets fouled. Then it settles in and shoots nice small groups right were I want them. What should I do about cleaning if I want the first shot out of the barrel to have a POI where I expect it? I'm thinking of coyote and deer hunting primarily. These are situations where a couple of fouling shots might ruin your whole day of hunting. At the same time the thought of leaving a barrel "dirty" while in storage makes me cringe. How can I maintain proper barrel maitenance and have my first shot hit the mark?

 

[Prof]

In his book, "The Ultimate Sniper", John Plaster recommends that snipers (and hunters) whose first shot is the important (or, only) one, zero their rifles with a "cold barrel" zero. That way, your first shot will be POI. Therefore, clean away and store your rifle with peace of mind.