Trouble with cleaning jags

[walker944]

Cotton balls???

I went from using patches to using cotton balls, frequently on sale in the local Rx. It took a bit of trial and error but I rather quickly figured out how much of the ball was needed for the bore being cleaned. I find they work great.

Seems like that would leave cotton fiber debris in and around the barrel and chamber. Have never tried it, and don't think I will.

 

[StrawHat]

Seems like that would leave cotton fiber debris in and around the barrel and chamber. Have never tried it, and don't think I will.

I have not noticed fibers or other debris in the bore or chamber. The ball is a rather tightly packed unit and not prone to separating. Anyway, it works for me.

Kevin

 

[Johnny_B_Goode]

I usually run a brush down the bore a couple times before I apply any solvent. The dry brush removes 90% of the fouling. When I apply the solvent it works a lot better. I have several 30 year old guns I bought new, the bore is clean and the rifling is sharp. When ammo was cheap I didn't think twice about going into a field to shoot up several boxes of ammo.

 

[cuervo]

Just to throw it out there...

You can also wrap a patch around a brass brush instead of using a jag. The bristles of the brush will hold the patch in place as long as it's not too tight going down the barrel.

 

[Rule3]

dont forget that not all patches are the same thickness. just because its the same width as your favorite brand, doesnt mean its the same thickness.
If you dont understand how patch thickness can affect something going through the barrel, read up on patched roundball.

Took me reading 25 posts to get to the answer.

There absolutely is differences in patch material type and thickness. The OP did have to large a patch but some that are synthetic will be much looser than say flannel.

 

[Fremmer]

I have used thinner cotton patches in the past. The cotton material seemed to be finer and thinner on those, maybe they were Hoppe's patches. I'm getting more of those.

 

[fotheringill]

Unless it is only a local NY thing, Hoppe's sells only the microfiber patches.

 

[BCRider]

....You can also wrap a patch around a brass brush instead of using a jag. The bristles of the brush will hold the patch in place as long as it's not too tight going down the barrel.

I've done this on occasion but in most cases it's left a mess of fibers in the brush. So it's not first on my list of favourite things to do.

 

[roadchoad]

Cleaning jags? Why not just drive it through a car wash?

Bad joke sorry. Anyway, like the folks have already pointed out, use the correct size patches and a round jag. The dry brush works well, followed by a damp patch to get the loose bits. Then move to applying more solvents.