Not when it comes to rimfires it isn't. Try asking a precision rimfire bench shooter. They do not shoot a match without at least 50 rounds thru the rifle before hand. Rimfires always shoot better slightly dirty. Cleaning them before they get 1k to 2k rounds thru them is a real waste of time. They also shoot better the drier they are. Only lube the bolt rails. Run a boresnake thru the barrel once and that is it. Clean the dirty parts like the bolt face, breech, and feed ramp. Only use a good CLP. I use Eezox, but Break-Free or SLP-2000 is OK also (just not as good for rust prevention as Eezox).
Is there a reason why rimfire shoots better when dirty?