Hoppe's boresnake cleaning system

[buffermop]

Anyone have this cleaning item? I was just wondering what kind of results were obtained when using it. Would it work in a semi auto rifle?

[quickdtoo]

They work great for field use, but should be washed between uses, otherwise you're dragging the same fouling back thru the bore each time after the first use, that's just like reusing patches!!

Tim

[gunnut69]

I've found very little use for the bore snake. If the rifle needs cleaning a rod is greatly preferred and the bore snake can't clear a plugged bore. The cable rods are good expedient rods for clearing a plugged bore, otherwise a one piece stainless rod is the way to go.  If planning on needing to clean at the range simply take the stainless rod along, in a proper carrying tube of course.. I like the brass jags with a spike to help with patch retention.  As to cleaner I am really a poor choice for an answer as I am constantly trying new stuff. I'm using several foaming cleaners just now and don't have any firm opinions yet formed. As a rule I like Sweet's 7.62 for removing jacket fouling and Hoppes#9 for nitro fouling. I also occasionally use a polishing type cleaner who's name escapes me just now. It really leaves a bore shiny.. but no cleaner than the Sweets. If the rifle is up for long term storage I use an electro chemical cleaner and a very strong preservative to stop after rust..

[SHOOTALL]

I like the snake , it has been said a cleaning rod will wear a bore faster than shooting if over or improperly used . THERE is an article I believe in maybe FIELD & STREAM or one of the other publications this mo. which addresses the over cleaning of the bore . and break in . I'm not sure i buy it 100% but the point i found of intrest was that primers no longer destory the barrel and cleaning intervals could be relaxed somewhat , maybe ?
I use ammonia or sweets 7.62 to get copper foul out and hoppes -9 for most every thing else ! if i have a really bad bore i mix baking soda and oil together and run it thru the bbl. or tooth paste with baking soda works also , takes out dark spots and brightens the bore ( polishes ), for lead removal i use a lead removal tool , the one with the brass screen , not sure i like it but it seems to work ! if the gun is a mess i use kroil for all of , bore , action and surface , then clean off the kroil !
So if i'm hunting with the rifle i run the snake and after the season or a long shooting session i use the rod

[quickdtoo]

There've been several great discussions on bore cleaning in different forums here, here's a few and a link to a bore cleaning article at 6mmBR.

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,76619.0.html

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,96995.msg1098243780.html#msg1098243780

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,90248.msg549429.html#msg549429

http://www.6mmbr.com/borecleaning.html

[Graybeard]

I have one only for a .410 shotgun. I'd break the cord before it will enter the chamber area so there isn't a chance of it getting down the bore. I'll never waste my money on another.

[SHOOTALL]

Graybeard ,  i respect that you do not wish to damage a bore ! I have bore snakes for .410 thru. 12 ga the first few times they pass thru. the bore they are tighter than a frogs , well you know ! the smaller the snake the tighter it seems to be , i have never broken one yet ! They are easy to travel with and if kept clean work ok
for a quick cleaning in the field or when the gun will be in use alot like a week or so of hunting . and i want to run one thru. the bbl. to remove moisture or dirt but not do a complete cleaning .

[Graybeard]

I pulled on the string on that one of mine with all the strength this old body has left and it didn't even begin to enter the chamber. Dunno if this one is over size or what but I figure the string would break before I'd get it down the bore and most like while it was in the bore.

[quickdtoo]

A boresnake that won't go in the bore is one thing, one that gets stuck in the bore is another!

Tim

http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68660&highlight=stuck+bore+snake

http://rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70719&highlight=boresnake

http://rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70935&highlight=boresnake

http://rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=87602&highlight=boresnake

[buffermop]

Gentlemen

                You answered my question. I thank you all. I do believe I will stay with the old rod and brush for now. Thanks

[SHOOTALL]

now ya'll got me worried !

[Keith L]

I don't recall if it was here or RFC but I read a thread where Hoppe's replaced a rifle for someone who had a boresnake stuck in a 17HMR and removing it damaged the barrel.  That did it for me.  I never tried the one I bought.  It is still in the package somewhere.

[quickdtoo]

That's chuckkilla at RFC, Hoppes replaced it for him after they damaged the barrel and action when removing the snake, read my links, here's part 4.

Tim

http://rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72147&highlight=boresnake+part+4

[Graybeard]

I was sure hoping it would work and had plans to get them for all my skeet gauges (.410, 28, 20 and 12 ga). The .410 was what I needed most so got it first. That sure soured me on them. Some of the guys just have a long strong string with a weight on the end and they have a rag tied to it that they've determined to be the right size for that gauge. They pull it thru at the end of each session before putting the O/U back in the case. That was my intention.

I have proper cleaning equipment at home for all of them and really in my shotshell shooting box have enough to do in an emergency situation for all as well but this was a quick and dirty way to get out the worse of it before casing it to carry home that required no effort or time. One for a .40 caliber rifle or handgun might work for the .410 dunno.

My experience with this one has cost them sales of several I'd likely have ended up with if it had worked out well. I suspect this thread is gonna cost them a lot more sales.

[quickdtoo]

The Patchworm is a nifty, inexpensive, little pull thru cleaning system, works well on the 17 and 20 cal bores that I don't care to run a rod thru. They have buttons for .410" and 12ga.

Tim

http://patchworm.com/index.htm

[SHOOTALL]

GRAYBEARD , try a GI shotgun cleaning kit , the one they carry in the field , it is a cord with an alum. adapter you can screw on standard brushes , mops , patch holders, etc. mine is old but i still see them in gun shows and surplus stores !