Why does a warm / hot rifle shoot better?

[telluwhat]

This may be a very basic question but I really don't know. Why does a rifle shoot better after the barrel gets hot/warm ?

Thanks.

[Microgunner]

A warm barrel wouldn't shoot any better than a cold barrel if the barrel remained cold.

But as a barrel warms the steel expands changing the point of impact.

Once the barrel achieves it's normal operating temperature the groups will settle down.

If you increase or decrease your rate of fire your group's point of impact will change slightly again.

Bull barrels are used to reduce this effect as well as stabilize the firearm.

[telluwhat]

:thumb:

Thanks, that is what I needed to know. My 22 shoots a lot more accurate after it is a little warm. About 10 shots then it is aiming great. Those first ten seam a little wild. Of course it could be me hat needs the warming up. I have not shot that much yet.