I also noticed that i have a lot of solvent in the chamber area and have to use a larger patch or bore mop to sop it up. I thought the bore guide helped with that?
To clarify for those who need the info to be helpful. The rifle i am referring to is my varmint rifle (223rem) that i shoot a lot at paper trying different bullets, powders, primers, etc so it sees a lot of rounds out of all my rifles and i want to 1) keep it in tip top shape and 2) make sure the way i'm cleaning it wont diminish accuracy by damaging the barrel, crown, etc.
To preface, I almost exclusively shoot long range for groups and I have had to set back and recrown so I know how expensive that is and what mitigating measures one can take to get more accuracy life out of a barrel. Others might find what I recommend as unjustifiable or foolish.
Each his own. I don't like removing an expensive barrel when my accuracy falls off prematurely or minutely.
Whenever running a metal brush through the bore, remove brush from rod after exiting muzzle. Barrels are often factory lapped going toward muzzle. And you won't drag crud back down the barrel. Keep that extra labor in mind when you read below re: Parker Hale jag.
Keep barrel cool - I have read that you should be able to hold your hand on the receiver for ten seconds after firing. My experience has been that you can still get damage to the throat at those temperatures. Always use a bore guide. Never use ropes. If you use a brake, keep it clean and tight.
Everyone has their own equipment preferences. These are those which I have chosen:
I would recommend a Parker Hale jag
https://www.brownells.com/gun-clean...od-jags/parker-hale-style-jags-prod32722.aspx because you can keep it in the bore while you run the rod back and forth and not have to remove patch each time through,
after you have removed most of the more abrasive matter. Works good for liberal application of presoak of bore cleaners, back and forth scrubbing bore (especially carbon in front of chamber that is often experienced in overbores, i.e. .22Br., applying even coating of oil prior to long term storage, etc.
I completely cleaned a rifle with patches and a jag until all that remained was the slightest hint of gray. Then I used the Parker Hale with a slightly oversized patch and it came out with near perfect dark lines drawn on the patch from the corners of the rifling. You can get there anyway but this jag is efficient and distributes evenly. Additionally, the Parker Hale makes it convenient to form a ball on the end of the jag (patch is attached slightly diagonally, thus forming a
fold able tip) to clean the ends of the rifling somewhat, soak up excess solvent, and protect the lands should the guide slip away a little.
Clean as soon as you can. Carbon bake can be further reduced by running wet patch down bore after your last shot and allowing it to soak on the way home. Once cooled, it has fully bonded. Copper cleaners have been addressed elsewhere I read on a thread where a person hadn't removed copper till they got to 500 rounds. In true accuracy shooting that will come into question. BTW: if you shoot moly coated bullets, different approaches may need to be used, especially factory molys.
Bore guides sometimes allow seepage past the tip. I use those that have an 0-ring (Possum Hollow) When it does occur:
https://www.sinclairintl.com/gun-cl...sku749003115-35492-66822.aspx?sku=749-003-115 is about $22. If you look it up I believe you will see it addresses your need regarding the build up of solvent in that hard to reach area, though I have used shotgun mops, long q-tips, etc. There are felt disks available as well but I am not attempting to cover everything, for I know at least one that will want to chime in and refute anyway.
Just keep in mind, I don't plink and I don't shoot gallon jugs of water from 300 yards. I shoot from 500-1000, where everything you can do to promote accuracy and extend barrel life is of primary concern. If I can help further in any way, please do let me know. I get a sense that you want to be impeccable in the maintenance of your firearms. I respect that a great deal.