Okay, I see a few more ideas here--which I'm happy to try. I think I'll get my bidnith together and lay out a test plan so I'm not changing 4 things at once and expecting to see a pattern. I can answer some questions though:
I'm using a Leupold fixed 6x36 scope, and I've measured an 0.008" gap between the receiver and the aft end of the scope mounting rail.
To my great amazement, the bore is not only free of any lead, it's free of any residue or visible debris of any kind--there is no way I could run a patch through that barrel and possibly have it be any cleaner or brighter.
I definitely like the idea of having someone else shoot it. But first, I'm going to take the advice so many have given me, and go all the way down to some SAAMI / Marlin level loads using a single bullet: the 300 gr Hornady HP which I have enough of to do some real testing.
I do have an adjustable trigger on the way and probably won't be able to resist the urge to put it in--but if so, at least it will remain a constant.
I'm using a Leupold fixed 6x36 scope, and I've measured an 0.008" gap between the receiver and the aft end of the scope mounting rail.
To my great amazement, the bore is not only free of any lead, it's free of any residue or visible debris of any kind--there is no way I could run a patch through that barrel and possibly have it be any cleaner or brighter.
I definitely like the idea of having someone else shoot it. But first, I'm going to take the advice so many have given me, and go all the way down to some SAAMI / Marlin level loads using a single bullet: the 300 gr Hornady HP which I have enough of to do some real testing.
I do have an adjustable trigger on the way and probably won't be able to resist the urge to put it in--but if so, at least it will remain a constant.