Is it ok to wait 3 days to clean my .243 after shooting 12 rounds through it?

Status
Not open for further replies.
P

peterparkerv2

New member
I just shot 12 rounds and don't feel like going back to the store to get a cleaning rod for it.
12 rounds couldn't get it that dirty so would it hurt it to wait 3 days?
 
Assuming you did not shoot corrosive primers, which you probably did not;it being a 243, it would not hurt it to wait 3 days
 
Like Overthere and Doyle said, if you didn't use ammo with corrosive primers, that is, you used major brand name ammunition (Winchester, Remington, Federal) made in the last 30 years you are fine.

(I know it's way more than 30 years for major U.S. ammo makers but I'm too lazy to go look it up this morning.)
 
After only 12 rounds I would not clean it at all unless the bore had gotten wet. Typically I'll run a bore-snake through my rifles after every 25-50 rounds but I won't clean it until accuracy becomes an issue.
 
I clean crud out of the action to prevent build up from effecting function. Barrels don't get cleaned until they are dirty and accuracy starts to drop off. That is based on round count which could be 100-200 rounds. That is once or twice a year for most guns. Most guns need about a dozen shots through a clean barrel before they start shooting up to their true potential anyway.
 
On general principles, I usually run a slightly oily patch down the barrel any time I shoot it. But being lazy for a day or six usually is harmless, absent high humidity.
 
Is it ok to wait 3 days to clean my .243 after shooting 12 rounds through it?
I just shot 12 rounds and don't feel like going back to the store to get a cleaning rod for it.
12 rounds couldn't get it that dirty so would it hurt it to wait 3 days?
Click to expand...

What, you got some custom loaded 243 black powder rounds? Or maybe corrosive WWII military surplus 243?:D
3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months, 3 years. As long as it isn't stored in a leaky shed, or spring house I wouldn't worry.
 
I agree with the above statements with a single caveat. Usually I clean my hunting rifles at the end of hunting season or the beginning of the next hunting season. Only had one problem. The bore off my Remington 700 35 Whelen, for some reason, rusted like crazy in under a month after season. The rifle did not get wet. The outside looked mint.
 
I am anal about cleaning,but in this case I will agree with all others- 12 rounds is
No big deal ( wow can't believe I said that:eek:). Not to much to clean with only 12 rounds any how
 
How Often To Clean

Let me express a contrary view.

I try to clean my 303 Enfield & Marlin 30 - 30 after every time I shoot them. I do not think, however, that it is harmful if you wait several days or even weeks. To me part of the shooting experience is getting to clean the guns. I can't help but believe that keeping them clean is better for them than not doing so.

I have read that some think that cleaning as much as I do is "over cleaning." I just don't understand how that can be accurate. Agreeing with me is a life long friend who was in law enforcement, went through FBI sniper school, was a body guard for my state's Governor (where he functioned as a sniper protecting the Governor & visiting dignitaries), and ended his career as a rifle & handgun instructor for state troopers.

Part of my philosophy may be because I neglected my guns for decades. They were embarrassingly rusted. I took them to a gunsmith for a thorough cleaning. Now, I clean them after every use. I normally fire 30 - 40 rounds at each outing.
 
Last edited:
Letting your guns get rusted is unrelated to cleaning (the bore) after shooting. One is neglect, the other hurts nothing.

I used to clean my guns every time I used them. I *hate* cleaning guns. It is not part of the fun or the experience to me. It is dreaded. Despised. Loathed.

Modern powder and primer residue is not hydroscopic to any significant degree. In fact, a coating of powder residue is more likely to PROTECT your bore than harm it.

More guns will be damaged by improper cleaning than by not being cleaned. It can be no other way, since not cleaning them can not hurt them while cleaning them can. It doesn't matter how unlikely it is, it can't be less than the zero chance you have by not cleaning.

Keep the outsides and functional parts clean, dry and appropriately oiled. Clean the bore when (if) accuracy degrades.

My only exception is a break in that I do, which involves cleaning the bore after each of the first 10 shots and then after #15 and 20.

My guns stay accurate and do not copper foul for many rounds, if ever. The bores still have a mirror sheen when cleaned and with many powders still shine even after shooting.
 
Last edited:
I clean after every shooting session, 3 day's not a problem unless as listed above damp conditions. Cleaning & break in's is a subject that could go on forever.
 
To clarify my post a bit, I do clean, lubricate, and use a rust protectant on my guns often. Usually within a day of a trip to the range, or hunt. But a 3 day or longer wait is not a problem unless shooting black powder, corrosive ammunition, or having been out in damp, humid conditions.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top