Bore Cleaner

[blacksmithsc]

I was reading the owners manual for one of my rifles the other day, and it suggested using a bore cleaner specifically for copper build up. I've been using Hoppe's 9 (mainly cause it smells so good!) for probably 30 some odd years, but I don't think it does much with regard to copper build up. What solvent products do folks recommend for copper build up?

Thanks

 

[jcwit]

Montana Extreme works for me, also Shooters Choice. Have some friends that have started to use the new foam cleaners and they swear by them, I just haven't tried them yet.

 

[benEzra]

I like Outers Foaming Bore Cleaner. You put the extension tube in the chamber and it fills the bore with the cleaner, which has the consistency of shaving cream and doesn't smell. Let it sit for 15 or 20 minutes, then a couple passes with a bore snake, repeat as needed, oil lightly when done.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=148688

http://www.odcmp.org/new_forum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=51212

 

[OpFlash]

Foaming bore cleaners are awesome especially for copper fouling. A word of caution though, I ruined a hardwood floor when more of the stuff drained from a bore than I thought possible. Saturated the rag I left under the muzzle and got onto the floor. Even where I sat the can down it left a ring. Be very careful what you let that stuff touch.

Also, don't get caught up in the idea that you have to get the bore perfectly clean every time. I made a perfectly clean AR-15 bore by using this stuff 2 times a day letting it sit in the bore between treatments (and it still took over 2-3 days). Then I took it out to the range and shot 40 rounds through it. That's all, just 40 rounds. It took almost as many treatments to get it perfect again. That was primarily an experiment more than anything else. I think bores should have a little copper in them to fill the pores and imperfections. Trying to get every last bit of copper out is counter productive IMHO.

 

[JohnKSa]

I made a perfectly clean AR-15 bore by using this stuff 2 times a day letting it sit in the bore between treatments (and it still took over 2-3 days).

I don't think you get much benefit from letting it sit past a few minutes. After a point you need to patch it out and put some new solvent in.

 

[OpFlash]

I don't think you get much benefit from letting it sit past a few minutes. After a point you need to patch it out and put some new solvent in.

I believe I got more out by letting it sit a couple of hours after letting it sit for 20 minutes on the first pass. Yes letting it sit all day is overkill, but I'm not always around to start over every two hours. Once in the morning and once at night was the pattern I fell into for convenience.

 

[moooose102]

i like hoppes No. 9 Bench Rest Copper Solvent. if you have been shooting for some time without using a copper solvent, it may take a LONG time to get all the copper out. it took me a week of cleaning, twice a day to get one of my guns completely cleared of copper. so, now you know, get it cleaned up, and just stay on top of it.

 

[BADUNAME37]

I have

another brand of copper cleaner (in fact, two different brands). They kind of smell like ammonia.

My question is, how do I know when the bore is still dirty, and when it is clean of copper?

I notice the patches coming out of the dirty bore are bluish in color. Is that my indicator? When the blue gaes away, is that when I can tell it's clean?

 

[John Wayne]

Blue residue with a copper solvent means copper is present.

If the copper build up is really bad, you will be able to see it build up on the lands even after the bore is "clean" with regular solvent. Just run a patch with copper solvent and bronze brush through the bore when you have some spare time, eventually it'll go away.

FWIW, you don't have to get the bore completely copper-free. As long as it's not affecting accuracy I wouldn't worry about getting it perfect--still clean it as usual, but don't spend 8 hours scrubbing the bore to get every last bit out.

 

[nerfsrule2]

Montana Extreme is good, I use Butch's bore Cleaner... I also hear Gunzilla is great stuff!!!!

 

[Walkalong]

For general bore cleaning: Butches Bore Shine or Shooters Choice

For copper: Any ammonia based solvent will work. - They will eat your jags & brushes in time.

Non Ammonia based copper cleaner: Bore Techs Eliminator- It will eat your jags & brushes in time.

 

[JoeG52]

Butch's Bore Shine works good.
Here are some do-it-yourself cleaners...
http://www.frfrogspad.com/homemade.htm

 

[jcwit]

Use a nylon bore brush, the ones from Montana have stiff bristles. The ammonia won't eat them up. Tip on the ammonia cleaners, don't let them sit in the barrel overnight or for any period of time as I understand they degrade the rifling.

 

[Ol` Joe]

Wipe-Out

 

[The Bushmaster]

Hoppe's #9 Benchrest Copper Solvent...

 

[GregGry]

I just cleaned all of my guns yesterday (5 total) and every one of them has an absolutely shiny bore. I have never seen any copper build up in any of them including my ar15. I normally only shoot 350 to 500 rounds before cleaning. Is the copper still likely to be present despite the fact everything looks 100% clean? I use gunslick foaming bore cleaner, a bore snake, and patches. Accuracy hasn't been an issue, and I don't get jams either.

 

[biggiesmalls]

so if i use bore cleaner with copper solvent but my patches come out with no blue color, does that mean i had to copper buildup to begin with? i use the foaming one.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Hoppe's #9 Benchrest Copper Solvent...