Water in barrel and accuracy?

[bluedog250]

TEXT As I was sitting at my last stand yesterday evening, It started raining and sleeting pretty good and I started wondering what if any effect rain water in the barrel might have on accuracy? I know a barrel FULL of water could not be good but what about the rain that does get in there, I keep my barrel pointed down as much as possible to keep it out but I'm sure some still gets in. Just kinda wondering if anyone has ever had bad times with rain and accuracy?
AND Is it possible for a .22 caliber hollow point bullet traveling 4000 FPS to hit a rain drop square and start to expand?
Sometimes I think I just sit in the woods to think about this crap! Have not been seeing much to shoot so my mind kinda wanders around?!

[DavidLeeValdina]

If the barrel was full of water I suspect it would blow up.
Less then full, but more than a trace, might run up pressures. I recently saw a picture of a 9 mm round being fired out of a Glock, in this issue of Guns & Ammo, and there was a pressure wave AHEAD of the bullet, which was supersonic. So maybe the pressure wave moves the water out of the way. But if you tried to shoot through a waterfall, the bullet launched from your .220 Swift or .22-250, would probably blow up. So how much rain or such would it take, , sounds like a Government grant is in order to study it. Maybe the SEALS have already done so. I guess we both think of such stuff while on a stand. My latest thought is a fron and mid bead about 30 degrees of top center, so if my scope is fogged, I can roll the rifle slightly and line up on the beads to the target. Good on a bull barrel, would look silly on a regular barrel, but it would work, I have tried it with taped on points of aim.

[Ricochet]

Hatcher's Notebook has some testing on barrel obstructions in it. He didn't get any blowups with barrels full of water. But submerging a barrel's muzzle a few inches in water can burst the muzzle end. There are underwater guns that use regular ammo to fire for very short range for defense against sharks and such.

[Bug]

Not to sound like a smarta$$, but a piece of tape over the muzzle does wonders. I carry a short roll of electricians tape in my fanny pack for just this purpose. Not surprising, it has come in handy for some other uses too! ;D ;D ;D

[cdngunner]

You can actually buy barrel condoms!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


By the way the Isreale special forces ge taught how to shoot under water!

[bluedog250]

I have heard of taping the end of your barrel but have never tried it, i always figured there would be some accuracy lost? Or with my luck me and the gun would both blow up! I may have to do some testing with tape on the barrel to see what happens? Sounds like a good project for me sometime! Just for my piece of mind if nothing else

[Bobcat]

BD,

The tape over the muzzle will not affect how your rifle shoots in any manner.......don't worry. Filling up your barrel with water on the other hand.........

Good Hunting,

Bob

[C1PNR]

bluedog250,

Apply for that Government Grant! I'll volunteer to help with the research. ;D

Rather than hunt, er, research in the rain though, let's find a place with some snow. Like Colorado in the Elk season! ;D ;D

Guides and tags aren't all that expensive, and the grant should easily cover all costs.

Just waiting to hear from you with details.

[bluedog250]

Sounds like a good plan! Just have to word the grant apps just right as to sneak one by em'!
Speaking of snow! It started snowing here about 2 hours ago and the ground is covering nicely, They say we should have 5 to 8 inches before it's done! The only problem??? I have to work the rest of the week and won't get out to play in it!! I have been wanting to get out and call in the snow but it always falls during the week when I can't get out!
BOBCAT! As always you are a fountain of information! If I did not live so far I would drive there just to meet you!

[Bobcat]

Hey BD,

I am sure our paths will cross down the road. I will look forward to it!!

Good Hunting,

Bob

[okcoyote]

hey bluedog..................mind pichin' me up on the way.. i would like to meet the 'guru" myslelf.

okcoyote.... thanx

[Bug]

I have tested it on everything from a .22lr to a 12ga, including muzzleloaders. I can see absolutely no effect. It is my sneaking suspicion that the gas escaping AHEAD of the bullet might be what blows the tape. There are also "finger cots" which are finger-sized condoms. You might be able to get your pharmacist to order you a box. One box should last for years. I'll stick to the tape, though. Multi-purpose, ya know! Also, I think I would worry about ICE in the barrel, more than water. You did say rain & sleet? A fairly small chunk of ice formed in the right area could really make things exciting.

[bluedog250]

Ya know I guess I did not even think about ice forming in the barrel? But I do see where that could be a problem!
I'm liking the tape idea more and more!
Sounds like we have some ice tests when the ole grant money comes in to!
"The causes and effects of liquid, Semi-solid and solid water build up in long cylindrical tubes serving thier purpouse as runways for projectiles propelled by an explosive substance"
Oh I am ready, I can see our names in all the big papers now!................... "Wanna be Scientists blown up while trying to shoot a gun full of ice!"
this may be one short 15 minutes of fame here!

[BigNate]

I have used the rubber (3M-super33) electrical tape for some time. It stays on even in bad weather. Here where I live now, it does more of keeping the dust out than water. I've wondered how much damage gets done to the bore when the dust settles in the lube!

[Bronc]

Here's one more alternative. Although I was introduced to it after catching some low life shooting Turkeys out of the roost, it does make quite a difference on .22 LR up to 300 H&H magnum.....go to the drug store or Wally World or party store and get a bag of small balloons. They serve your purpose and make a great silencer too! Yep! Try it! You won't believe the difference. ;D