After four decades of not competing in anything, I am going to try to compete this year in BPCR Silhouette. Naturally, I have a few questions and no one I know of can answer them, so I will ask the members here:

In a match;

1. How many of you use a blow tube? How often?
2. Do you run a patch through your rifle? How often?
3. Does anyone use a bore snake? How often?

It is snowing here and I am not going to go to the range in this weather, so I was wondering how a match progresses.

Any and all information is appreciated.

Nimrod

Thanks, Dave. That helps a lot.

In our arid conditions I started with a blow tube but it took 5 to 7 healthy blows to work. I switched to one barely damp (NAPA water soluable cutting oil and water) patch on a nylon brush followed by a quick jab with a chamber mop to dry the chamber. I can do that faster than some guys using a blow tube. You just have to get the routine down.

Yes. Even here in the east where we 'usually' don't suffer from low humidity, the big majority of shooters are wiping with a wet patch (~7-1 water/water soluble cutting oil - get it at NAPA auto parts). 

Some use the fancier BACo pig system (not recommended for a newbie - too complex to start with), some use a jag and some (like me) use a nylon brush to run the single wet patch thru after each shot. I like almost dripping wet while others prefer less wet. 

Once you get used to running a patch and establishing a routine you follow you will have no problem with time. The first few times you will feel rushed, but that is also true with a blow-tube. Most of us are using plastic rods so little wear & tear on the bore/muzzle. 

Like everything else in shooting BP, you will eventually find the combination of patches, fluid, brush, etc. that works best for you. Talk to the winners and see what they are doing. It may not work exactly that way for you, but you'll soon find out.

Even running a patch, most everyone cleans the bore thoroughly between animals. I run a wet patch thru the bore just prior to the first shot on each relay to to insure I have a consistent surface for each shot.

Glad you are 'joining the fun'. Is a great time with good people. Don't hesitate to shoot the national BPCR match at the end of July at Raton. Five days of fun. And don't worry about it being a national match. You will compete within your class just like at any other BPCR match.
Hope to see you there.

2nd advice above, fowling varies according to humidity. wipe the only way to be sure of consistent bore condition.

When I shot BP settled on flexible Delrin rod system. One wet patch wrapped around a loose = smaller than bore size, brush, followed with a dry patch.

Delrin bends around the tang sight. Patch wrapped brush gives good bore contact while sliding easy. Used to use half water half antifreeze, if shooting BP again would look for another solvent.

Get the routine down it goes quickly. Forked rest for the rod two patch cans one pre moistened other dry. Everything easy reach without coming out of position.

Boats

does anybody use vinegar in the water to clean the bores?

If memory serves BrianC uses vinegar & water to do an initial clean at the range. He does not let the cases sit in the mix long and does shake thoroughly before pouring out and putting the cases in straight water (with a bit of soap?) for the ride home. If I remember, I'll ask at next month's match.

MikeT wrote on Feb 8^th, 2022 at 10:46pm:

I believe that the winners usually have the right (or, at least the best) formula and all that I know use some sort of additive in their wetting fluid when wiping (water soluble cutting oil, Ballistol, etc.). This is true whether using patches with GG bullets or bore-pigs with PP.