Author Topic: Cleaning barrel between cast and copper jacket barrel (Read 1787 times)

streak · « **on:** June 23, 2011, 06:18:59 PM »

What cleaning routine, if any, do you guys use on your pistols when switching from shooting copper jacket bullets to gas checked cast lead bullets?

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #1 on:** June 24, 2011, 01:56:34 AM »

none. If you find a problem doing it something wrong. Your gun shouldnt build up enough lead or copper to hurt an thing and if it does you need to fix the problem causing it.

Swampman · « **Reply #2 on:** June 24, 2011, 02:49:23 AM »

I rarely clean my barrels. I don't see the need.

tinman · « **Reply #3 on:** June 24, 2011, 03:01:37 AM »

never did. now all i shoot is cast anyway.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 24, 2011, 03:39:05 AM »

Like the others here, don't see the need.. I like my guns dirty anyways..

Lloyd said it best.

Blackhawker · « **Reply #5 on:** June 24, 2011, 04:46:38 AM »

My biggest concern is always just cleaning the soot from the outside of the gun and all of the movable parts in order to lessen wear and tear. Cast bullets tend to leave a lot of black sooty residue all over the cylinder or action (revolvers/autos) which I believe is from the wax-like bullet lubes. I never worry about the bores much.
Do I clean the bores? Sure, every once in a while; before a long term storage or maybe if I've fired a lot of ammo through them.

As Lloyd said, if you have any build up of stuff in your barrels, there is probably something wrong with your loads, bullets, bore to bullet size etc.

Bob J · « **Reply #6 on:** June 24, 2011, 05:13:00 AM »

KG12.... I shoot cast in all my guns including a number of milsups..... My experience has been that any significant copper fouling will greatly increase the amount of lead fouling....

This link compares the performance of a number of the currently available products:

http://www.frfrogspad.com/cleaners.htm

streak · « **Reply #7 on:** June 24, 2011, 09:16:39 AM »

Thanks for the info!
I got a new revolver back in May and had fired a few copper jacketed bullets through it and now have some cast reloads that I loaded up last weekend with gas checks and just wanted to be sure that it should be o.K. to shoot these without having to clean the barrel for the switch! $:-\$

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 26, 2011, 03:02:20 AM »

Quote from: streak on June 24, 2011, 09:16:39 AM

Thanks for the info!
I got a new revolver back in May and had fired a few copper jacketed bullets through it and now have some cast reloads that I loaded up last weekend with gas checks and just wanted to be sure that it should be o.K. to shoot these without having to clean the barrel for the switch! $:-\$

I do it all the time, not a problem..

1911crazy · « **Reply #9 on:** June 26, 2011, 04:40:56 AM »

I have beenshooting the leadcast bullets and then switch to a few jacketed to clean out what little lead fouling there is. When i switched to the moly coated leadcast and the load isn't too hot i have very little lead fouling now. I do clean my bores after each range visit in my revolvers and the auto's get disassembled, cleaned, lubed with moly and reassembled so there ready to rock at anytime.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 26, 2011, 04:56:17 AM »

You put more wear on your barrel cleaning it, then shooting it.. Wipe them down and shoot them.

KYShooter · « **Reply #11 on:** June 27, 2011, 12:38:21 PM »

Quote from: Redhawk1 on June 26, 2011, 04:56:17 AM

You put more wear on your barrel cleaning it, then shooting it.. Wipe them down and shoot them.

How in the world do you put more wear on a barrel cleaning than shooting? Unless you are using a steel brush hooked to a drill I don't see how that is possible. As long as you do it right. Granted I do get better accuracy from a fouled bore, I still like to keep my guns clean. I just fire 2-3 rounds off before I go hunting or sight in a new scope.

us920669 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 27, 2011, 12:50:32 PM »

I like 'em clean too. I use a paste type cleaner - you can't believe how much junk comes out. If you think there are tool marks or if it's a cheap barrel, use JB Bore Bright, an ultra-fine polish. It leaves them like a mirror and you get more accuracy, more velocity and they clean up much easier. Polish scares some people, but you know, they lap the daylights out of them at the factory, and the more expensive barrels get more attention.

Swampman · « **Reply #13 on:** June 27, 2011, 12:56:05 PM »

Nothing ruins a barrel faster than cleaning it. There is no good way to do it.

When accuracy falls off then you clean and not before.

green horns offen do otherwise.

KYShooter · « **Reply #14 on:** June 27, 2011, 01:55:45 PM »

I use carbon fiber rods, nylon brushes, brass jags with cotton patches. Keep the rod away from the throat and don't mess up the crown. I look at it the same as changing the oil in my truck. The more gunk in there, the more there is to wear on the parts. A bullet going down a clean bore will hurt it less than a bullet going down a bore with essentially sand in it. All that grime will wear it out faster than a clean one. Never use anything steel to clean a gun. The gun metal is harder than anything I use and as long as I don't put undue force on anything it will be just fine. And my accuracy has never suffered. The only time a bore should stay dirty is if you are trying to sell a gun with a bad bore. Maybe you could convince some greenhorn that the reason it's dirty is it is just too much fun to shoot.

Tom W. · « **Reply #15 on:** June 27, 2011, 03:03:58 PM »

I see some responses are the manure from the male gender of cattle... You guess which...

us920669 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 27, 2011, 03:19:34 PM »

I'll stick with KY's theories. I use a bore guide to protect the throat and follow up with a soft mop for the chamber. I have a mirror set up so I can see when the patch is just peeking out of the crown. Then I pull it back - patch usually scrunches up a little for a tighter fit. Gotta keep 'em clean!!!

Swampman · « **Reply #17 on:** June 27, 2011, 04:41:33 PM »

It's the brushes and solvents that do the damage. Rod types and guides don't matter.

Having to shoot 1/2 a box of ammo to get your accuracy back gets expensive. Those who hunt those who hunt back will never hunt with a clean barrel. Those in Afganistan emailed me their support last time I pointed this out.

us920669 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 27, 2011, 05:18:49 PM »

I can't argue with troops in the field, although I wonder if their priorities are the same as mine. I want to hit whatever I am shooting with my first shot, and I don't notice any change at 1/2 box. I have had very little experience with gas operated weapons. I just can't see sending slug after slug down a bore littered with a random assortment of shavings from bullets and cartridges and whatever primers turn into.

When I hunted Africa my PH carried his 458 on the Buffalo hunt and I couldn't help but notice some light rust just inside the muzzle. He was unfazed and I never mentioned it again. Of course his requirement was to put a significant piece of metal into a huge target that was very close, without the aid of a bench or a scope. I have nothing but respect for the man and hope I can trust him with my life again.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #19 on:** June 28, 2011, 03:24:30 AM »

Im pour at cleaning guns. I rarely clean a barrel and for the most part dont clean the rest of the gun unless it quits working, gets stiff or im done with it for the year. My habbits dont come from worry about hurting a gun. Brass brushes and solvents if used properly dont hurt a gun and if they do id sure like to see some documented proof. Some solvents like sweets and other amonia based solvents will hurt a gun if left to soak over night but again if you use them like the instructions say your not hurting a thing and id like to know how many brass brushes youd wear out before they wore away steal! Clean them if you want but dont for a second believe that your gun will be more accurate if shot clean. cast bullet guns shoot best after a few fouling shots. thats why NO blackpowder bench rest shooter will ever start with a clean bore. Same goes for copper fouling. A little bit will fill the rough spots in your bore and actually help accuracy. To much copper or lead fouling will hurt accuracy but if you have a gun that does that you have a gun that needs work. Ive got guns that the barrels havent been cleaned in years and still shoot as well as they ever did. So do what you want. Some guys consider there guns almost like jewelery. More of a decoration then anything and feel the need to clean them after a day at the range that they may shoot 20 rounds. Me mine are tools and nothing more. My 3000 dollar linebaughs sit dirty on the back of the tailgate right next to the rugers. Personaly id rather spend my time shooting then cleaning

Swampman · « **Reply #20 on:** June 28, 2011, 03:53:40 AM »

Quote from: us920669 on June 27, 2011, 05:18:49 PM

I can't argue with troops in the field, although I wonder if their priorities are the same as mine. I want to hit whatever I am shooting with my first shot, and I don't notice any change at 1/2 box.

I'm talking about Army, Marine, and Seal sniper teams using boltguns.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #21 on:** June 28, 2011, 05:06:04 AM »

A fouled bore has always shot better for me also . Maybe as many as 5 shots to foul it. A dirty gun is just a dirty gun.
As for cleanning I do as needed to remove dirt and trash. Also the bore when needed . If I shoot say 45 Colt in my 454 I clean the bore and chamber before going back to 454's same with a 38 spl. in a 357 mag. When I had a 30 carbine I cleanned it alot as it built up copper rings inthe forcing cone like the book that came with it said it would along with suggested cleanning . I clean also depending on powder used as some are more dirty than othets and some leave alot of unburnned powder in and on the gun.
I suggest you look at each gun and what it sees for ammo then decide what maintance you need to do. I really don't see a one fits all methord.
Also a gun I tote gets cleaned more bore included . I live where humidity is high I have seen my BBL. with sweat in the bore , not a good thing ! So it gets cleaned and oiled regular. As for wear - use the correct tools and be careful and it should not be a problem . I do suggest not just oiling a gun as all you do in many cases is trap dirt .

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #22 on:** June 28, 2011, 06:40:29 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on June 27, 2011, 04:41:33 PM

It's the brushes and solvents that do the damage. Rod types and guides don't matter.

Having to shoot 1/2 a box of ammo to get your accuracy back gets expensive. Those who hunt those who hunt back will never hunt with a clean barrel. Those in Afganistan emailed me their support last time I pointed this out.

Swampman, some people just don't understand how the solvents and brushes cause damage. Most of the custom gun makers don't recommend cleaning the barrel and cylinders with solvents and brushes, I think they are a great source of information, and I use their advice. Heck I don't care what people use to clean their own guns, I just know after 35 years of shooting, what I have done works well, and my guns shoot very accurate. And I don't use brushes or solvents in my guns.

Blackhawker · « **Reply #23 on:** June 28, 2011, 06:44:29 AM »

Quote from: Redhawk1 on June 28, 2011, 06:40:29 AM

Quote from: Swampman on June 27, 2011, 04:41:33 PM
It's the brushes and solvents that do the damage. Rod types and guides don't matter.

Having to shoot 1/2 a box of ammo to get your accuracy back gets expensive. Those who hunt those who hunt back will never hunt with a clean barrel. Those in Afganistan emailed me their support last time I pointed this out.

Swampman, some people just don't understand how the solvents and brushes cause damage. Most of the custom gun makers don't recommend cleaning the barrel and cylinders with solvents and brushes, I think they are a great source of information, and I use their advice. Heck I don't care what people use to clean their own guns, I just know after 35 years of shooting, what I have done works well, and my guns shoot very accurate. And I don't use brushes or solvents in my guns.

Redhawk1, what do you use?

luckydawg13 · « **Reply #24 on:** June 28, 2011, 07:22:23 AM »

CALL ME A CLEAN FREAK I CLEAN MY GUNS AFTER SHOOTING I DO A LOT OF BLACKPOWDER SHOOTIN

Swampman · « **Reply #25 on:** June 28, 2011, 08:13:54 AM »

With blackpowder we have no choice. With smokeless it's just a leftover tradition from the 1950s when priming was corrosive. Many of us got our habits and ideas about firearms from our father who was trained by a drill sargent before going to Europe or the South Pacific for a "vacation".

mechanic · « **Reply #26 on:** June 28, 2011, 12:32:15 PM »

I keep a "bore snake" for each caliber. Sometimes I'll even use it, but seldom. I do clean my shotgun bores often, as the plastic wads scrape away any lube that is there, but I've never had a problem with rifles just cleaning when accuracy drops. That takes sometimes hundreds of rounds. Just me.

Ben

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #27 on:** June 28, 2011, 05:21:04 PM »

Quote from: luckydawg13 on June 28, 2011, 07:22:23 AM

CALL ME A CLEAN FREAK I CLEAN MY GUNS AFTER SHOOTING I DO A LOT OF BLACKPOWDER SHOOTIN

Well that is something that must be cleaned, but nothing hot soapy water, and a tight cleaning patch won't cure.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #28 on:** June 28, 2011, 05:24:40 PM »

Quote from: Blackhawker on June 28, 2011, 06:44:29 AM

Quote from: Redhawk1 on June 28, 2011, 06:40:29 AM
Quote from: Swampman on June 27, 2011, 04:41:33 PM
It's the brushes and solvents that do the damage. Rod types and guides don't matter.

Having to shoot 1/2 a box of ammo to get your accuracy back gets expensive. Those who hunt those who hunt back will never hunt with a clean barrel. Those in Afganistan emailed me their support last time I pointed this out.

Swampman, some people just don't understand how the solvents and brushes cause damage. Most of the custom gun makers don't recommend cleaning the barrel and cylinders with solvents and brushes, I think they are a great source of information, and I use their advice. Heck I don't care what people use to clean their own guns, I just know after 35 years of shooting, what I have done works well, and my guns shoot very accurate. And I don't use brushes or solvents in my guns.
Redhawk1, what do you use?

When I want to clean the cylinders and bore, I just run a patch with break free on it. I don't get any leading from my bullets, so a brush is not needed..

zorba · « **Reply #29 on:** August 23, 2011, 04:17:17 PM »

In a typical practice session with a magnum revolver, I will shoot 50 to 60 rounds of mild lead bullet loads. Then while at the range, I run a patch with solvent down the bore followed by two dry patches. Then I shoot 12 to 18 rounds or so of full power jacketed loads. When I get home, I clean the chambers and bore with a wet patch followed by 2 to 3 dry patches. I seldom need a brush. I have found that by not letting any kind of deposits accumulate, it is always easy to clean.

Contrary to previous posts, it is possible to clean without harming the bore if you are careful and you know what you are doing. I have used this method for decades, and all of my revolvers continue to shoot as accurately as most high quality target pistols. The bores look perfect with sharp rifling.