Thread: Diagnosing a accuracy problem with my .222

It takes very little muzzle damage to upset accuracy. Muzzle damage (the last 2-3 inches) is very common in NZ hunting rifles that are a few years old, usually caused by firing rifles without cleaning after having been standing in a cupboard for a few months. Dust (microscopic stones) settles in the muzzle and firing just pushes it into the barrel wall. Do that 2 or 3 times over a few years and the accuracy is gone. Shortening and recrowning improves the accuracy but reduces the velocity. A swipe with a dry patch before firing prevents the problem starting. It never ceases to amaze me the number of shooters (including many professionals) who keep the outside of their rifles pristine and never care for the bit that makes the rifle do what it does!