Dewey Rod Plastic Flaking Off - ARGH!

[raindog]

I have a Dewey coated rod I was using tonight for the first time. I don't think I was using any kind of extreme solvent...Hoppe's #9, Breakfree CLP, Ballistol.

Red plastic on the rod started to flake off and pretty soon I was finding little red flecks on my patches. Took a patch and rubbed it up and down the rod and sure enough, more flaked off and the patch was red.

Ugh. It's just plastic so I'm sure it's not hurting the bore, but geez, what is the point of a rod that disintegrates when you use it???

Anyone care to recommend a better coated rod? I have a couple rifles I'm trying to take perfect care of, so I'd rather not go with a typical all-metal rod.

 

[kingpin008]

Why not get a brass rod? Even if it does come in contact with the interior of the barrel, it won't mar it.

 

[Harve Curry]

Are you using a bore guide to keep the rod centered?
I have the same problem and I'm just careful to keep the rod down the middle. I try to use bore snakes more and more.

 

[BADUNAME37]

I also use brass and aluminum and am just extremely careful not to let it hit the lands of the rifling. I also make sure the rod is wiped clean before, during, and after cleaning, to remove any fine grit that may be on the rod.

I thought Dewey made excellent products.
I guess I thought wrongly.

 

[OrangePwrx9]

Dewey rods used to be fantastic. I have a couple that are heavily coated and have taken a lot of abuse. Several years ago the process appeared to have changed. The coating was thin and scraped off easily.

After buying several new ones, I found out about it. When I called to ask about it, they told me not to worry, the exposed metal of the rod wouldn't hurt the gun. If that was true, why coat them at all?

I've steered clear of Dewey ever since. Actually I think a brass or aluminum rod that's kept reasonably clean will do just as well, though not as strong as a Dewey.

 

[oneounceload]

Plastics and oil-based solvents do not mix well - might explain what is happening

 

[mboylan]

Using a bore guide?

 

[DagoRed]

Maybe you can cover it with heat shrink tubing.

 

[atblis]

When did Dewey start making Red colored rods? IIRC, all mine are black.

Why don't you call/email Dewey and ask them what's going on? Maybe they'll send you a new rod.

Plastics and oil-based solvents do not mix well - might explain what is happening

Depends on the plastic. Some are impervious to pretty much everything.

 

[ms6852]

I use the very thick nylon cord used in weedeaters. I just cut it long enough where I can fold it in half and pass the two ends through the bore first. Once it comes out the barrel I wrap it around my hands and drop an over sized patch on the small loop it makes at the bore end of the rifle. Works like a charm for me.