Cleaning a .17 HMR

[Bob C]

Yesterday I fired 50 rounds of CCI ammo through my new .17 HMR Contender.

Cleaning the barrel was more difficult than I expected. I used a bore brush twice, six passes each time, and I ran 25-30 patches through the barrel without ever getting a really clean patch.

I was using Hoppe's #9 as a solvent.

Is this typical of the caliber and/or the CCI ammo?

 

[JuniorG]

I have a 14" 17HMR Contender bbl.
Using MPro-7 I cleaned it before initial shooting and then patched it out every 5 rnds for the 1st 50 shots. I have no problem getting this bbl clean or any other bbls/guns for that matter.
How does your bbl shoot? I didn't have any luck with that CCI ammo. The Hornady was the best out to 200 yds. Remington was OK out to 100.

Check it out
http://ktsammo.250x.com/ott/17OTT.html

 

[Bob C]

I only had the CCI ammo, and it was very inconsistent. I got two groups around .5" at 50 yards, and had other groups running 1" to 1.5".

I now have Hornady ammo, and will try it this week end if the weather permits.

 

[kudu]

Get a .17 bore snake. Hoppes is OK with a little powder residue, but Shooters Choice does better. Sweets does a good job too.

 

[nbkky71]

I've had good luck using Hoppe's Elite myself. It's great (but expensive) stuff that really gives a deep cleaning. I've used it on my supposedly "clean" barrels and was amazed at the crud that came out.

Ditton on what kudu said about Sweets. It's relly good stuff, but it is very strong and will eat through bronze brushes in no time!

 

[bad_dad_brad]

You don't have to clean a .17 HMR much, even less than a .22 which in itself is a rare event. The .17 does not suffer from lead build up like a .22, so even less cleaning is in order.

When accuracy falls off clean it. Otherwise just shoot it. That is the Marlin company's advice.

 

[Master Blaster]

I have an anschutz 1517, they recommend a pull through cleaner.

I pull through a small patch with a little clp on it, followed by two dry patches after every range session, seems to be working since the groups are getting tighter as I approach 600 rounds fired.

I clean my .22lrs the same way.