Best Method to get leaded barrels cleaned.

[jeep08ham]

What method are you finding to work the best to get lead out of leaded barrels.  After shooting a lot of cast bullets, I get some leading and do not know the best method to use to get it out.  Also, How to prevent it in the future.   All loads are around 900 feet per second in the 9MM and the 800 FPS in a 44 Special.

Thank you in advance for your input.

Have a Blessed Christmas!

[quickdtoo]

If you aren't in a hurry and don't like brushing, use WipeOut, it destroys the alloys in the bullet metal making it easy to push out with a tight patch after a few days soak. I had a severely leaded muzzleloader barrel from shooting conicals with hot loads of T7, WipeOut cleaned it up in 2 applications with just a few patches in less than a week.

Tim

http://www.sharpshootr.com/wipeout.htm

SPECIAL NOTE FOR ALL SHOOTERS SHOOTING LEAD BULLETS.

We specifically state that Wipe-out does not dissolve lead.  Most chemicals that dissolve lead produce a galvanic reaction.  This reaction in effect acts like a battery.  In most cases it will etch steel ( both stainless and carbon steel).  It is for this reason that we don't use chemicals that specifically work on lead.

We use chemicals that will dissolve the other metals ( tin , antimony, zinc, etc.) that are incorporated in most bullet alloys.  So we work to destroy the integrity of the bullet alloy, and it begins to come apart in small black flakes.  This process takes about 24 to 36 hours.

So while Wipe-Out™ does not dissolve lead , it will degrade the alloy so that it can be pushed out with a tight patch. 

[Blackhawker]

I thought leading occurs above 1400 fps?  How would one get much, if any, leading from cast bullets at such low velocities?  Am I missing something here or have I just been lucky over the years?

[Tom W.]

A lot will depend on your lube and alloy. If it's soft with a poor lube, it's gonna lead...Or if your bullet doesn't quite fit right, it can lead.....

[Savage]

Quick,
Again, excellent information! Thanks for the link.
Savage

[clodbuster]

How about the electro cleaning systems?  I home-made one from a flashlight and have used it to remove some nasty black stuff as well as copper from my rifle barrels.  further cleaning with other systems in those electro cleaned barrels fail to remove anything further.  What's the experience been?   

[gypsyman]

Leadaway cloth, or a Hoppe's tornado brush. I usually run a patch with Kroil down the barrel, and let it soak overnight. It's just a good penatrating oil. Gets under the lead, and makes it easier to brush it out. I don't like using solvents that are to aggressive. Don't want to take a chance on etching the barrel. gypsyman

[Lloyd Smale]

shoot a cylinder full of jacketed bullets through it. It will take out most of the lead if not all of it. then find out what is causing it and correct the problem

[gwindrider1]

Don't know if they are still available, but the Lewis Lead Remover works great!

[quickdtoo]

Be aware that WipeOut may affect aluminum framed pistols since it dissolves aluminum, but it's safe for all barrel steels, to include extended treatments as it contains a rust inhibitor, I've left it in barrels for several days with no problems after forgetting to follow up the next day.  I've been using it for about 4yrs in my 55% humidity basement with no rust or affect on the bores except for a lack of fouling.

Tim

WIPE-OUT™ is not safe for varnish , shellac or old oil type finishes. It will remove them.It will dissolve brass, bronze, and copper. Most aluminums (AR-15/M-16 receivers and all aluminum pistol frames) are safe with Wipe-Out ™ , but some will discolor to a dull grey. IF you have any doubt try a test area where it will not be visible. Wipe-Out ™ will NOT DISSOLVE LEAD but it will degrade lead so that it can be pushed out with a patch.WIPE-OUT™ contains no acid and no ammonia.WIPE-OUT™ CANNOT CAUSE RUST.It will not gum, or form solids in either the action or the barrel .WIPE-OUT™ is safe for all barrel steels, both stainless and carbon steel. NOTE: WIPE-OUT will remove Molybdenum.

http://www.sharpshootr.com/wipeout.htm

[calvon]

This simple, cheap, and effective lead remover was recommended to me by Veral Smith.

Start with an undersize bore brush, say a .30 caliber brush for use in a .38 bore. Buy a copper or brass pot scrubber at your favorite grocery store. Be sure it is copper or brass. Check it with a magnet. Chore Girl is one brand name that works. Rip the Chore Girl to shreds and wrap those shreds around your undersize bore brush. Wrap enough on that the brush becomes a snug fit in the bore. Run that through the bore a half dozen to a dozen times. The copper/brass will cut the lead but won't scratch the bore.

[iiranger]

get leaded in the first place. With todays super lube bore coatings and bullet lubes... Keep the experiments up until you don't lead...

#2). You can buy "brass wool" in various grades just like steel wool and it is terror on lead. Hard enough to tear the lead off but not hard enough to damage steel. Larger hardware stores have it. Might be cheaper than the Chore Girls, same principle. Lewis used a brass screen. Might find brass screen in the larger hardware stores. You don't mention the size of the hole.
#3). There are solvents. Even rubbing alcohol would work but not recommended, 30% water... If you can find any of the old carb cleaners from the days of leaded gas.
#4). Mercury absorbs lead like nothing else. But today the paperwork to get and use it is probably the killer. luck.

[corbanzo]

I use gunslick foaming boar cleanser.  Leave that stuff in your barrel for half and hour, everything will wipe right out.  If if is REAL thick, might have to do it twice.  But if it is REAL thick, you should think twice about your bullet choice.

[gypsyman]

You might also try either JB or IOSSO bore paste/polish. This would also smooth out any rough area's in the rifling. Another good one that comes to mind now,is, a bore paste from Remington called 40X. It's like a thinner version of JB, comes in a plastic bottle with a ball bearing in it, like a spray paint can. Shake it till the ball bearing rattle's. It comes out like gravy, and you can feel a little grit in it. I used it years ago on my muzzleloaders, when it was called Gold Medialion. I believe it was made to get plastic fowling out of shotguns.
Part of the reason your gun(s) lead up, or copper up, is if you ever got a chance to look down a barrel with a bore scope, it's really pretty neat. There are microscopic etchings in the rifling. The more you shoot it, and the more you clean it, your polishing out those little scratch's. The smoother it is, the less it leads,or coppers, up.  gypsyman

[Autorim]

Calvon has a good suggestion, however, I would not use a pot scrubber. Bronze wool is available from Brownell's in three grades. Buy all three and see what works best. The bronze wool with Kroil and Blue Wonder can work well on leading and also rust on blued surfaces. I have used this combo to clean up used guns that were pretty dirty and leaded when purchased.

[jeep08ham]

Thank you for your input into this problem.   I was able to order some Wipe Out from Midway today so will give that a try.  It sounds like a good product.

Thank you again for your help.

Merry Christmas!

[Dand]

Hasn't anybody heard of a Lewis lead remover? Run a couple of those brass mesh patches thru and your good to go! I believe you can buy them at Brownell's and maybe Midway too. First pass or two should muck out most lead. I put the handle on the floor under my feet and pull up on the barrel to make it easier - slow steady pull. Lots quicker than solvents and such tho I have to admit I haven't tried wipe out.  I do use wipeout to get the copper out of my rifles - works good.

[Graybeard]

You're all ignoring the simpliest and fastest method out there as listed by Lloyd. Just fire off a cylinder full of jacketed bullets leading gone or so darn close to it any standard cleaning will take care of the rest. Sure the other methods mentioned work and are classic choices but when it really is as simple as pulling the trigger to clean the lead out why go to more trouble?

[shakey]

Too easy.  Well... that, and the neighbors complain.   

[StrawHat]

Do jacketed loads really clean the bore or do they just flatten the lead and shine it?

[Graybeard]

If they didn't remove it we'd not have told ya so.

[bilmac]

I have used the shoot it out method too.

[Flash]

The lead is softer than both bullet jackets and the barrel so yes, the firing of jacketed bullets will squeeze the lead out. If you know anyone in the HVAC trade, ask them if they ever come across some liquid mercury from old thermostat switches. I have a decent supply and the lead disolves into the mercury with the barrel looking like new.........in seconds. I use proper safety measures of course.