I'm new to the black powder world.  Have my rifle, and many other assorted items.  I've shot some smokeless just to get the feel of the rifle, scope sighted in etc.  I'm in the process of using black powder only and here lies my question.

Some people use a blow tube only between shots.  Some only wipe between shots.  Then again some people use a blow tube and wipe between shots.

To those of you that blow and wipe.  What order is this done in?  Blow 1st then wipe?  Wipe 1st then blow?

My schuetzen rifles work best when wiped clean between shots.  Three damp patches and then a dry one for the chamber only.  In my rifles leaving the bore slightly damp works best.

Steve Garbe wrote of blowtubing and then following with a dry patch.  I have not ever tried that but will someday.  Based on published WSU/NRC match results, his approach is definitely worth trying.   

If you are talking about shooting silhouettes or target rifle where there are time constraints it's probably best to pick one or the other.

Chris.

Back when I first started shooting BPCR Silhouette (2005) I used a blow tube because that's what most everyone was doing back then. There were a few wiping between shots but they were a small minority.

Years later I had to start taking blood pressure meds with a diuretic. I couldn't figure out why I couldn't get the moisture I needed to blow tube anymore. Finally decided the diuretic was drying me out.

I went to wiping between shots and it was pretty funny to see me fumbling around at first. Once I got the hang of it I could run a string of five shots faster by wiping, and be more consistent from the start of the match to the end of the day.

I was in AAA for a looong time. Shortly after going to wiping between shots I made it into Master Class. I truly believe wiping gained me more than a few points.

Of course this all takes place in the Central Valley of California. Where you are you may have different results.

Even though I haven't shot BPCR for quite a few years now I would still recommend you develop a good routine for wiping and never look back. 

If you need any help on the particulars of wiping drop me a PM.

JerryH

I also started out blow tubing and later went to wiping. I feel I get more consistent results wiping as well. Also have never seen anyone blow tube and also wipe for each round..
Although I know many shooters who Shoot much better scores than I at times with their blow tubing routine!

Terry

When I was shooting silhouette I used just a blowtube.  Here in Ohio the humidity was not real low, but I have shot a match when the relative humidity was in the lower 30% range and had no fouling problems at all.
Loading a clean burning charge was/is the way to go.  I did use a 5 gr 4F duplex behind a 50/50 mix of 2F and 3F in a 40-65.

Wiping after every shot would be a pain in my book.

One of the good statements above is that swiping is consistent.  Another good statement was, "what was working yesterday, might not work today with blow tubing.

As you can tell, there is just not one way to swipe. 
One wet with drying with a chamber mop up to 3 wet and one dry one.

Blow tubing success is like everyone is talking about.  Depends on the moisture in the air.   So, where 3 nice long blows would be great this month, it might take 8 blows in the heat of the summer.  There is also technique in how you blow too.  Taking air in your mouth and exhaling it back through the tube.  The second is through the nose, lungs and then out through the tube, which it has more moisture in it way.  I think blow tubing is easy, but take time to learn what works for the day.  If you clean between banks of animals, you will feel when running a cleaning patch down the barrel if it is soft and smooth or dry and jerky.  If dry and jerky, the barrel needs more moisture.

Being on a time clock will also come into play.  Blow tubing can be quicker at times.  Great subject !

Sure they talked about blowing something.

bpjack wrote on Mar 31^st, 2016 at 3:33pm:


Jack I did that once.  It was probably what converted me to wiping .  I still have some of the taste in my mouth years later.   

Chris.