Dirt in bore

[tnieto2004]

I was hunting this past weekend and accidentally let my barrel (Cheap Stevens 200) touch the dirt while adjusting my seat on the ground. I know, I know, stupid move. Well I emptied the rifle and took the bolt out. I looked down into the bore and there was very little dirt (a few specs) toward the muzzle. I used a shoe string and cleared basically all of it out. There were a few specs of dirt (looked like sand) close to the muzzle that I couldn't get out. I ended up coming across a pig and did take a shot. I was wondering if this has happened to anyone and if this most likely did damage to the bore? Does the bullet push stuff like powder residue and/or dirt out of the way with the air in front of it? Just something I was wondering about. I will bring my bore snake with me from now on!

Thanks for any input.

 

[Gator 23]

Did something similar on an antelope hunt in WY. Boresnake saved the day. My guess is that gas pressure ahead of the bullet might have helped clear the sand...makes me think of PH's in Africa and other hunters I've seen with tape over the muzzle. The tape clears ahead of the bullet once the firearm is discharged, but protects the bore from the elements and accidental meetings with the earth. I bet your bore is fine. Clean it and hope all is well.
Congrats on the Hog! Happy Hunting!

 

[AR27]

Well i dont know about you but when i hunt im walking around, crawling, climbing trees, doing all kinds of stuff and my rifle gets all sorts of crud all over it. Last weekend the thing was soaking wet with snow and had completly blocked out my front sight, i had to suck the packed snow off it so i could use the sights. Any kind of real manly hunting requires you and the gun get filthy. I would not worry for a second.

Electric tape is perfect for what gator is talking about

 

[unwise11]

I played tournament speedball for a while, (fast paced extreme paintball) and we used barrel covers, and once I find one of my old ones, I'll use it, and when the tension is off the cord it falls off the barrel, but tape looks better.

 

[tnieto2004]

I may try the tape over the bore at the range. It sounds like a good idea.

 

[kaferhaus]

That's the only legitimate use for a bore snake. As a cleaning implement they suck.