Bore Brushes- Nylon V. Brass & How Long Do They Last?

[Treo]

The title pretty much covers the topic. I was cleaning a gun today and when I pulled out my bore brushes I noticed that some of them were green. So here are some specific questions.

1. Do nylon brushes clean adequately?

2. Do brass/copper brushes damage the bore ( normal use not stuck on a dremel or something stupid)?

3. Can you clean the gunk off of a copper/brass brush?

4. How long does a copper/brass brush last?

4B. How long for a nylon?

5. How long before someone shows up to post that I shouldn't clean my guns anyway?

6. And just for grins, what would happen if I threw a penny in a bowl of Hoppe's?

Thanks

 

[strat81]

1) Generally, yes. Bronze brushes are a bit more aggressive and work better for lead fouling, IMO.

2) No, assuming they are used with proper cleaning technique.

3) Mineral spirits and/or brake cleaner work well, IMO.

4) Depends on how it's used. Copper solvents literally eat bronze, brass, and copper brushes. The bristles also "take a set" after a while.

4B) IME, they last longer than bronze.

5) By the end of the page.

6) Trick question - it depends on the age of the penny.

 

[bogie]

Bore brushes are consumables. They are disposable. You will eventually "wear" a .243 brush to the degree that it can be used in a .223.

Use a good solvent WITH them, like Butch's Bore Shine, and before you put the rod in the case, give it a spritz with brake cleaner or alcohol.

 

[iowajones]

You shouldn't clean your guns anyway.

 

[Lifttech]

Brushes are definatly consumable. I usually keep a couple extra of each on hand.
Bronze for removal of powder and lead fouling. Nylon for the application of copper solvents as a bronze brush doesn't seem to last in that environment. The nylon is just for distribution of solvents to allow the chemical reaction to take place rather than being used for it's mechanical ability. BTW, I never drag anything back across the muzzle. Always push or pull it out of the bore and you shouldn't have any problems. Switch to bore foam and you will rarely have to get out a brush anyway.