Author Topic: Best Solvent for lead? (Read 1249 times)

Chris B. · « **on:** April 09, 2005, 06:29:26 AM »

I have been shooting my single actions more lately and I mostly use lead bullets. What is the best solvent that will dissolve and get the lead out of the barrels?

Also if I shoot a few copper jacket bullets for the last couple shots will that help get the lead out? Thank you!

Vern Humphrey · « **Reply #1 on:** April 09, 2005, 07:37:48 AM »

Get a set of assorted vaccuum line caps (any auto parts store), a bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide (Walmart or any drug store) and a bottle of white vinegar (Walmart, any grocery store.)

Remove the cylinder, stand the gun up in the sink, and plug the breech with a vaccuum line cap. Pour a 50-50 mixture of vinegar and H2O2 into the barrel. Watch carefully, and don't get the mixture on the stocks, blue, etc.

A gray scum will form. That's the lead -- pour it directly down the drain. Dry and inspect the barrel. Repeat as needed.

Finally, dry thoroughly and oil as normal.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #2 on:** April 09, 2005, 04:00:07 PM »

I shoot it out with a jacketed bullet ive never had problems doing it. the peroxide and vinegar solution has be reputed to weaken barrels.

TScottO · « **Reply #3 on:** April 09, 2005, 04:25:34 PM »

When I was shooting Action Pistol I used a SS brush to remove lead from the bore. I was shooting 500 rounds a week or so of DEWC's. I never had a problem with accuracy falling due to the use of SS brushes just use it sparingly.

Shooting jacketed bullets work fine as long as you do it regularly and do not wait until the bore is badly leaded. If the bore is badly obstructed with lead when you shoot jacketed bullets damage can be done.

In my bigger guns, 41 magnum and up, I use gas checked bullets and have 0 problems with leading.

Take Care,
Scott

Vern Humphrey · « **Reply #4 on:** April 09, 2005, 04:41:33 PM »

Quote from: Lloyd Smale

I shoot it out with a jacketed bullet ive never had problems doing it. the peroxide and vinegar solution has be reputed to weaken barrels.

That's one I hadn't heard.

Chris B. · « **Reply #5 on:** April 09, 2005, 06:44:56 PM »

Quote from: Lloyd Smale

I shoot it out with a jacketed bullet ive never had problems doing it. the peroxide and vinegar solution has be reputed to weaken barrels.

How many jacketed bullets do you shoot to remove the lead?

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #6 on:** April 09, 2005, 11:56:23 PM »

what i try to do when working up loads is shoot a cyl full of them after shooting about a hundred rounds. When im just blasting ill stick one in the cyl once in a while just to keep it under control. A gas checked bullet will do about the same. The gas check will scrape some of the lead out. A gas check prevents leading not because it prevents the base from melting. Bases dont melt in cast bullet loads but because they seal the bore from gasses blowing by and melting the sides of the bullet and also bump up and actually scape some of the lead out on the way out.

Chris B. · « **Reply #7 on:** April 10, 2005, 06:44:41 AM »

What is a gas checked bullet? Thank you!

Vern Humphrey · « **Reply #8 on:** April 10, 2005, 07:37:58 AM »

Quote from: Chris B.

What is a gas checked bullet? Thank you!

A gas check is a little saucer or ash-tray of jacket material. It fits on the base of a cast lead bullet to protect the base from pressure and flame temperature. To use a gas check, you have to have a bullet designed for it -- a gas check design will have a slightly smaller base so you can put the gas check on.

Gas checks come in two basic designs -- one can be put on by hand, the other kind requires a press and is put on when you size and lubricate the bullet.

weinstein · « **Reply #9 on:** April 10, 2005, 08:48:12 AM »

I don't believe anyone here has mentioned the "Lewis Lead Remover".

For those unfamiliar with this device, it's an expandable rubber plug that one covers with a small circular "patch" of fine brass screen, attaches to a non-rotating rod, and drags through the bore from forcing cone to muzzle.

There is also a conical aluminum plug that matches the forcing cone. One patches the plug with a brass screen patch, puts the rod down the muzzle, and attaches the plug from the forcing cone end. Just pull and rotate.

Both devices do a wonderful, quick job and pull out lead like you wouldn't believe. I doubt the brass screens harm the bore.

Last I heard they were available through Brownell's, they bought out the company and now sell them. Here's a rather thorough link with pictures:

http://www.lasc.us/RangingShot14-9.htm

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #10 on:** April 10, 2005, 09:13:06 PM »

I've use the hydrogen peroxide/vineger mix and it works really well in my stainless guns. However, I think it be next to impossible to keep it off the blueing on a blued gun unless you just accepted Jesus into your heart and he was watch'n ya real close!

Chris B. · « **Reply #11 on:** April 11, 2005, 07:09:26 AM »

Quote from: Dusty Miller

I've use the hydrogen peroxide/vineger mix and it works really well in my stainless guns. However, I think it be next to impossible to keep it off the blueing on a blued gun unless you just accepted Jesus into your heart and he was watch'n ya real close!

:-D Been there! :grin: