throwing the first couple shots away

[MosinRob]

I always see guys shoot there muzzleloaders 2 or 3 times before actually taking aim at the target. Why is that? I always just load the first and shoot it. Usually its right on. Even when hunting. I always start with a clean bore and killed plenty of deer on the first shot. Anyone have some proof or insight for me? Thanks guys.

 

[mooman76]

A gun will usually be off some before the first fouling shot. Not always enough to really matter but some more than others.

 

[Zonie]

I have found the first shot from my clean rifles often hits outside the group.

After firing this shot the gun will easily produce very tight groups for the rest of the day.

It's only a theory of mine and to understand it you should know that I remove my barrel(s) when I clean my rifles.

I suspect that the cause of these 'wild' shots is because the barrel never fully "seats" in the stock until that first shot is fired.

After the barrel finally seats it once again starts to produce consistent shots.

At least as consistent as I can aim it. :grin:

 

[Idaho Ron]

I know some guys like to hunt with a dirty bore but I don't. My guns are set up to shoot the best clean. Ron

 

[Bob J]

My pinned, fullstock flintlocks (.36 and .54) shoot great groups, including the first shot from a clean barrel. Wouldn't want it any other way...no fouling shots for me!

 

[Stumpkiller]

Mine as well. Unless you have very patient and understanding deer the first shot is the one you want in the vitals. Not the third. ;-)

I have found that running a lightly lubed patch up and down before loading to slicken up the bore helps not only with the first shot but also in clean-up at the end of a day of shooting.

 

[rabjr]

Every time I go to the range with my custom .58 it amazes me by putting the first shot into the X at 50 yards. I shot more Xs with my first shot that any other. :idunno: The last shot and all in between are usually damn near if not touching that first shot and any that aren't was plain my fault not the guns. It just plain shoots at the same spot every shot if I do my part...

 

[William O.]

Maybe it depends on the gun because I won the cold barrel stage (first shot of the day, no practice beforehand) at my ML club three months in a row with my .54 Investarms barreled rifle. Several people in deer camp swore that their CF rifles wouldn't be accurate enough unless they had taken a fouling shot first but I never noticed any difference in any of my CF rifles while at the range or in the field.

 

[MosinRob]

So from what I gather here the general consensus is do what the gun wants, but most here just shoot the first shot.

 

[necchi]

I'll foul the bore with one shot when target shooting.
Hunting is with a clean bore.

 

[CrackStock]

Rob,

Always study that first shot carefully. The point of impact will very likely vary quite a bit from all other shots. If not, then this is a good thing. But if so, then this information is very important for deer hunting.

CS

 

[Nappers]

My mentor taught me to shoot a cap, make sure I aim at grass or something to make sure it moves. Then I shoot a fouling shot at the beginning. Then go for it after that!

 

[Sunkmanitu Tanka]

I think it depends on the gun in the first place. Then there might be less necessity for fouling the barrel while hunting. As long as the ball hits the vitals everything is OK.
This is different for target shooters. Many swear by the necessity to have the gunbarrel in the same state of fouling "every" shot. That is why many first shoot a fouling shot, and then whipe the barrel in the same way between every shot. Certainly shooters who follow the Dutch Schoultz papers will strive to obtain the best possible consistency. That goes as far as precise preamesured powder loads, measured ball weight, consistency in shootin stance, breathing controled, etc etc... This consistancy also helps concentration and ease of mind ... some call it even a bit of a 'zen' thing ... I wouldn't go that far!

 

[Keb]

I shoot a fouling shot, no ball, just some powder & patch tamped down. I seldom pick the vent and wanna make the 1st "real" shot is gonna go off. I can't actually say it's a good practice but I still do it because I'm a creature of habit.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

My rifle does quite well with the first shot, both at the range and on deer or other critters.

LD

 

[Bon Sauvage]

I suspect that the cause of these 'wild' shots is because the barrel never fully "seats" in the stock until that first shot is fired.

After the barrel finally seats it once again starts to produce consistent shots.

At least as consistent as I can aim it. :grin:

Interesting. I wonder if a few taps on the muzzle with a rubber mallet, following a cleaning session, would reduce the amount of first shot flyers.

 

[jamesthomas]

Yep, me too, first shot always hits where I'm aiming either at the range or hunting. :thumbsup:

 

[Roguedog]

I haven't really noticed this phenomenon as of yet, however, I am not a proponent of the fouling shot, especially prior to a hunt. I will typically keep my gun loaded for a few days in a row and I don't want the spent blackpowder residue rusting inside my barrel. But as they say, to each their own. We all have a little bit different way of doing things.

Jeff

 

[tv_racin_fan]

Next time you are at the range spend some time just watching the guys who come in after you. Some of them will be the type who want their rifle fouled before they "shoot for record", they may load up and shoot the ground or load a blank round or just shoot in the general direction of a target. Other guys will clean after every shot, they want the bore to be the same condition it will be when they take that first shot at a deer or bear or whatever they hunt or every shot at their target. Then there will be some who will come in pop a couple caps to make sure the path is clear and they will shoot and shoot and shoot and not "waste" a round or two for fouling.

You really can't make a generalization of what type of shooting they do because people do things differently even in the same discipline. I know of a couple target shooters who totally clean their bore between rounds and I know of a couple who foul their rifle before they shoot for record. I know of a couple hunters who clean between rounds and a couple who foul em up before going hunting.

 

[Dr5x]

My "Moose Milk" recipe is no secret. I got from a very old timer who was doing amazing things with a very beat up rifle
1 Part Water soluble Oil or Ballistol
1 part Pinesol
2 parts 3% Hydrogen Peroxide Found in every drug store
22 Parts water

This worked for me for many years.
In a fairly recent post Stumpkiller had a recipe for his Moose Milk that seemed like it might even be better..

Dutch Schoultz