Solvent Shelf Life?

[Flynt]

For many years I've been a big fan of Wipe-Out foam bore cleaner. I only use it when I want to clean out copper down to the metal, because it works so well. The other day I decided some of my rifles (two .308's and .338 WM) were due for a good cleaning, so I used W-O Accelerator and W-O as usual -- only this time there was no blue copper residue on the patches on any of the guns. I doubt it this is the result of clean living on my part. I bought the W-O in 2013, so I'm wondering if it's lost its strength over time. I wrote the manufacturer, but haven't heard back from them. Anybody have any thoughts? Thanks.

 

[wally]

If it "disolves" copper its more than a solvent, its a reagent that reacts with copper, these can react with other things over time, so I'd not be surprised if it has a shelf life once its been opened.

Hoppe's No.9 contains ammonia to react with copper, it will lose strength if the jar is left opened, if tightly sealed after opening and transferring to 4 oz jar for use, I use up quarts well before I notice any degradation.

 

[Sunray]

Put some solvent in the barrel and leave for an hour or two. Gives the stuff time to work.
Only way for any solvent to 'go bad' is to contaminate it with water or the like.

 

[Flynt]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I should have been more detailed in my OP. W-O is a foam product and comes in an aerosol can, and there was still plenty of propellant, so it was "unopened." Also, I follow the directions and them some. It says let sit for an hour. I usually use the Accelerator (which is supposed to cut the wait to 15 minutes) and then let it sit for several hours.

 

[patmccoy]

Had you fired these rifles, or were they just in storage after the last cleaning? If they were only stored, you would not find blue on the patches because the copper was removed the last time you cleaned and none added since then.

 

[hoghunting]

I still have a can of Wipe-Out that is at least as old as yours and it still works perfectly.

 

[Flynt]

Pat McCoy, yep, fired them a lot. Same pattern I've followed for decades. Shoot a center fire rifle til accuracy begins to suffer, then clean bore....

 

[Open Carry Jenkins]

Wipe-Out lasts a long time in my experience--I'm still using a batch I bought a few years ago. Same with Clenzoil; tightly shut and stored in the proverbial cool, dry place it lasts for ever.