When to use a copper solvent to clean the bore?

[flakbait]

I have fired several hundreds of rounds in my AR rifle (steel non-chromed barrel) used for hunting/plinking without any appreciable change in accuracy. I usually clean after 100 rounds or so with Hoppes 9, Breakfree CLP, or Hoppes Elite (whatever I have on hand).

When should I be concerned about using a copper specific cleaning solvent?

 

[USSR]

My routine is running a patch with powder solvent on it, followed by patches of Montana Extreme .50BMG copper solvent.

Don

 

[rcmodel]

Clean the bore.
Then leave the bore wet with Hoppies #9 overnight.

Then run a clean patch through it.

If it comes out slightly green / blue tinged, you have enough copper in the bore to benefit from using a real copper solvent in it.

rc

 

[smartshot]

i think your answer may be in your question.

 

[joed]

I've gotten away from Hoppes the last couple years and now use Sweets. This one does a better job of cleaning copper from the bore. As long as there is copper the patch will come out green. I believe it is a high concentration of ammonia as it wreaks from the smell.

 

[M1key]

I wouldn't leave ammonia-based solvents in the bore overnight.

 

[gglass]

Yikes! Ammonia! Can you say barrel pitting?

 

[dfariswheel]

When using bore solvents, READ THE LABEL. Some, like Sweet's 7.62 solvent are not safe to leave in much more then 30 minutes.

The secret to using bore solvents is soak time. Solvents work by a chemical action against the copper deposits and need time to work.
I constantly hear of people running a wet patch through then immediately running dry patches through, and complaining the fouling is still there.

I still use Hoppe's #9 or Hoppe's Bench Rest because they can be left in long term.
CLP Breakfree has no effect on copper fouling.

How often to use a copper solvent depends on the number of rounds fired, the type and quality of the barrel, how fast you were shooting, etc.
There is no hard and fast rule.
Personally, I use bore solvent EVERY time I shoot, whether it's one shot or 100.

 

[redbullitt]

Depends on the caliber for me. Some seem to copper foul faster than others. I usually do not mess with it till accuracy drops off and I have to do some patch work.

+1 on reading the label!!!

 

[briansmithwins]

I have fired several hundreds of rounds in my AR rifle (steel non-chromed barrel) used for hunting/plinking without any appreciable change in accuracy.

Sounds like you already know the answer.

If copper isn't flaking off inside the bore and you aren't seeing any decrease in accuracy it really hard to argue that you need a copper solvent.

BSW

 

[Jenrick]

If you're not loosing accuracy you don't need to worry about it. If you're after minute of pie plate, or man at 100-200 yds you'll probably never need to specifically de-copper your barrel.

-Jenrick

 

[justgoto]

I copper clean mine about every 20-30 shots. I know people that let it go for 500 shots or more.

 

[skipbo32]

leaving hoppes #9 in a chrome bore is good right? that's what i do. come to think of it.....they need to invent a hoppes #9 cologne! i'd wear it!

 

[rcmodel]

Not colone, but that may be next!

http://www.hoppes.com/products/ca_air_freshener.html

rc

 

[skipbo32]

sweet!

 

[tactikel]

#9 really hasent been #9 since they reformulated it, although that smell really brings back some great memories. The closest thing I've found to the original is Butch's Bore Shine. That stuff REALLY cleans.
Why wait until you have excessive copper fouling and lose accuracy to give your bore a thorough cleaning? It takes all of 10 min. to insure your bore is like new. I use Butches every time I clean, and finish up with Kroil or CLP.

 

[Geno]

I don't ever use a copper solvent. I like the J&B non-embedding bore paste. Focus on the first about 8" of the barrel, and it breaks in nicely, and stays well-tuned.

Geno

 

[skipbo32]

i am still waiting for the day they have hoppes #9 cologne and copenhagen flavored mouth wash. there is nothing i like more then cleaning my guns with a big wod of tobacco in my lip. god i love this country!