Cleaning Question

[jdwolf]

I know that cleaning the bore of my Handi after each use isn't necessary but keeping the chamber clean is to avoid stuck cartridge casings. My question is should I clean the chamber after each use with a brass brush or just use patches with a cleaning solvent? Also, can using a brass brush too often damage the chamber or the rifling in the bore?

[aldar]

I just use a patch with solvent. don't use a brush real often. I think its important to use clean brass to avoid any stuck casings. You can polish the chamber with some Flitz, its in the FAQ section somewhere, but using clean brass Ive never had a stuck case in my Handis.

[quickdtoo]

For an ejector barrel it's critical to keep the chamber clean and dry, but extractors don't have the same issue so you shouldn't have to be concerned about it.

Tim

[oldandslow]

The brass brush, which is a misnomer-it is actually bronze, won't damage your chamber or barrel. It is used as a bearing material in certain applications.

[LaOtto222]

I have bought barrels that the manufacturer advised not to use bronze brushes in. With that in mind, I have quit using bronze brushes all together in every thing I own. I use patches, solvents and foam in my chambers and bores. Not sure why they did not want the bronze brushes used so I just don't. I even removed the brush from the bore snakes I have. Make sure your latch and lug are clean and dry before each shooting session. There is at least one of the more well know shooters in this forum that carries alcohol and Q-tips to clean the area before shooting. Another one stores his Handis "upside down" to keep the oil and or solvent from reaching this area.

[quickdtoo]

LaOtto nailed me!! Storing them muzzle down also keeps oil from soaking into the stock around the receiver on firearms, an old timer told me that. It keeps Limbsaver recoil pads from getting a flat spot where they rest on the floor too.

Tim

[oldandslow]

LaOtto, I know they do. I think it is just a way to duck problems with their barrels. "Oh, you used a bronze brush. We warned you so it's not our problem, go away".

[jdwolf]

Thanks guys! I appreciate your help. 

[jdwolf]

LaOtto nailed me!! Storing them muzzle down also keeps oil from soaking into the stock around the receiver on firearms, an old timer told me that. It keeps Limbsaver recoil pads from getting a flat spot where they rest on the floor too.

Tim

Tim,

That's a very impressive collection of Handi's you have. Which two are your favorites?

[quickdtoo]

Can't say as I have just one favorite, I'd have to say any of the 45-70s or 45-120, the 338-06 A-Square and .444 as well as the 30-30 and 35 Remington, but the 243 Superlight is really light and a joy to carry, all are favorites. I'd be hard pressed to pick one if I had to sell any of them. It's also not easy to pick one to hunt with!!

Tim

[LaOtto222]

jdwolf - Asking a multi-Handi owner what his favorite is; is like asking which child they like better.  They have different traits and characteristics, but we love 'em all.

[MidTNJasonF]

The brass brush, which is a misnomer-it is actually bronze, won't damage your chamber or barrel. It is used as a bearing material in certain applications.

That is not entirely true. You can damage a barrel or chamber with a brush if used incorrectly or too frequently. You can remove metal with cotton cloth if you do it the right (or wrong depending on how you look at it) way. A harder metal can be scratched or worn by a softer metal in certain cases and if you use a brush that is damaged, soiled, or has any form of debris in it all bets are off.

You are mostly correct though and a clean brush with proper lube/cleaner on it used in moderation is not a harmful thing for your bore.   

[PHATINJUN]

I haven't outlawed the bronze brushes yet but with all the different nylon or plastic ones out there the bronze get used very little anymore. I have also found since starting to hand load that has made cleaning easier . Kurt