Rifle setup and cleaning related question from a new B14 HMR owner

[eugevita]

Greetings Folks, first post here so thank you for your help and bear with me please!

I have a B14 HMR 6.5 topped with a SWFA SS HD 5-20x50/Silencerco Omega and am now starting to get into long range shooting as I finally found a range where I can shoot out to and past 1000. I shot the rifle last weekend at the new range (my first time ever shooting past 600) and was able to bang steel at 1000 with the help of my ballistic app and some hail marry wind guessing. All in all I really enjoyed getting the rifle out to 1000 and started doing some research on ballistics, rifle set up, etc as I work to develop my skills. The rifle shoots hornady 140 gr american BTHP American gunner sub moa all day. When I purchased the rifle it came with a case of this ammo and have not even tried anything else as this ammo is on the less expensive side of the Hornady line and has always shot sub moa.

Perhaps the experts here can help me out with some setup and cleaning questions that I have:

1. Now that I understand that rifle cant can affect shots at long range, I ordered a bubble level from SWFA. Can anyone recommend a video or advice on how to properly install said bubble level? I am guessing that it is not as easy as just screwing it on the rifle....I have not found anything too useful on youtube so far with regard to this.....

2. After firing over 200 rounds last weekend I sat down to clean the rifle and used a newly purchased .264cal/6.5mm hoppes boresnake. I have used boresnakes on my other guns for years and hence purchased one to use just for this rifle. To my shock and surprise the bore snake was way too tight for the rifle and got fairly stuck in the chamber as I attempted to start it through the gun. Ultimately I pulled it out and used my AR 22 cal boresnake in the interim. That said, I am super confused and would appreciate your advice or thoughts. Never had a snake not fit a gun before.

Pics of the rifle attached!

Greatly appreciate your help and look forward to learning from you guys!

 

[jcmullis2]

I use a set of levels for scope mounting to add the anti cant bubble level. One in the action and the other on top of the scope with elevation cap off. Then adjust till everything is level.
I use a bore guide and a one piece cleaning rod. I’ve been doing it that way for 30 years without any problems. The snake looks like it’s quicker but I stick with what works for me.

 

[DarinC]

First off, welcome to the addiction.

Now for quick answers:
1- use a plumb line to get your reticle straight up and down, then level up your bubble.

2- I use a carbon fiber 22cal rod with a bore guide and an assortment of stuff. Go to midway, or brownells, or wherever is your regular place, and get some bore tech. Wet patch, scrub, patch out and repeat until you’re happy. Also, carb/choke cleaner to get out the carbon. It’s much cheaper and effective than a lot of the stuff out there.

 

[jcmullis2]

First off, welcome to the addiction.

Now for quick answers:
1- use a plumb line to get your reticle straight up and down, then level up your bubble.

2- I use a carbon fiber 22cal rod with a bore guide and an assortment of stuff. Go to midway, or brownells, or wherever is your regular place, and get some bore tech. Wet patch, scrub, patch out and repeat until you’re happy. Also, carb/choke cleaner to get out the carbon. It’s much cheaper and effective than a lot of the stuff out there.

I like your plumb line advice. Your way is a lot quicker providing the scope is mounted properly and isn’t canted.
This just occurred to me. A few more days shooting like that and he’ll be ready for a new barrel. A nice new barrel will really feed the gorilla on his back. Lol

 

[Rocketmandb]

First off, welcome to the addiction.

Now for quick answers:
1- use a plumb line to get your reticle straight up and down, then level up your bubble.

2- I use a carbon fiber 22cal rod with a bore guide and an assortment of stuff. Go to midway, or brownells, or wherever is your regular place, and get some bore tech. Wet patch, scrub, patch out and repeat until you’re happy. Also, carb/choke cleaner to get out the carbon. It’s much cheaper and effective than a lot of the stuff out there.

This is right on. Reticles can be off level in some scopes. Putting a level on top of the scope only ensures you've leveled against the scope body, but you're aiming against the reticle. Setting up a plumb line and leveling against it ensures true reticle-gravity alignment.

For cleaning:

- Bore guide
- Cleaning rod
- Jag (not brass - I use Bore Tech)
- Patches with Bore Tech Eliminator

 

[eugevita]

I will see if I can set up a plumb line at home...here is to hoping my scope was mounted without a cant!

And yes I shot a lot of rounds last weekend, both Saturday and Sunday shooting...mainly due to my excitement about the new range which has so many steel targets that were just begging to be shot ; )

What is the life of one of these b14 barrels btw?

 

[eugevita]

Appreciate everyone's input

 

[DarinC]

Mine is still shooting strong over 1k. I expect it to last quite a while yet, hopefully over 2500, but I’m generally pretty nice to it, and try not to heat it up too much with long strings of fire unless I’m at a comp, then it is what it is and cools between stages