Do Clean Rifles Really Shoot Better? Eps. 487

In this episode of Ron Spomer Outdoors, host Ron Spomer dives deep into the age-old debate about rifle barrel cleaning and its impact on accuracy. Drawing from expert insights and listener experiences, he explores whether cleaning a fouled barrel truly improves performance. He shares compelling anecdotes from hunters who transformed poorly shooting rifles into precision instruments after cleaning, while also acknowledging that some barrels perform best with minimal maintenance. The episode features a range of listener stories, including a Norwegian hunter's insights on the Tika M55/M65 rifles, a discussion on the controversial Gibbs muzzleloader, and spirited debates over cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor and .45 Colt. Ron also addresses practical rifle maintenance, including chamber cleaning, carbon ring removal, and barrel lapping, offering a step-by-step guide to improving accuracy. The episode concludes with listener questions on caliber selection, suppressor use, and bullet performance—especially in the context of upcoming lead-free hunting laws—highlighting Ron’s commitment to honest, practical, and science-backed advice for outdoor enthusiasts.