Cleaning with Break Free CLP?

[Glen]

Anybody ever hear of cleaning their black powder gun (I have a '58 Rem) with Break Free CLP and letting it go at that?

Of course I know about the hot soapy water and other commercial cleaners, but heard a rumor that Break Free would work too. Just curious.

 

[SAA]

Sure, it'll work.....and make a bloody mess. You need plenty of solvent to move the fouling out. BP is meant to be cleaned with water. It's cheaper and much more practical than Break Free for cleaning BP. I used Break Free for years in the Marines on the M16s, but would never want to be stuck usiong it for cleaning BP. Are you in a desert with no water? If not, use the water the good Lord intended for BP, then use the Break Free to protect afterwards.

 

[4v50 Gary]

I don't think Break Free will dissolve the salts as readily as water will. I concur with SAA that it is not cost effective. Better to use hot water or even just water to remove the salt residue. Afterward lubricate with Break Free.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Yes indeed, the modern stuff is designed for modern propellant residue. Fine as the final step when cleaning is done, but as mentioned, won't get rid of all of the crud as will water. Heck just plain water without soap, and using a plastic brush, followed by a thorough drying and an application of sweet oil will work, but the CLP would probably work better as a rust preventative and lube.

LD

 

[45-70 Ranger]

CLP is great for after cleaning

I have to agree with the others. Use hot water and soap if you got it. CLP AFTER you got it clean and you'll never have a spot of rust as CLP and/or M-Pro 7 LPX will keep rust at bay for months....I will put a light coating on my weapons with an old shaving brush and it will cover every tiny part of the weapon with the oil.

Wade

 

[Glen]

Yes, indeed.

Yeah, good common sense answers. Appreciate your time.

Thanks!

 

[wittzo]

The lubricant and protectant in CLP is synthetic, so it doesn't react to BP, but the solvent in it doesn't do anything to break down BP residue.

I use water to clean my BP guns and I use CLP to clean my regular guns. For lubing and protecting, I'll use either Ballistol or CLP, they both work well and they don't react to each other that I can notice.