Another Dumb Question on Cleaning

Maxx424

I'm fighting a 30-40 Krag that has a somewhat ugly bore. In past posts it was suggested that I get a bore cleaning paste and perhaps some Tubs bullets. Got both so the stupid question is how to use the bore paste? Specifically it is Montana X-treme. I'm guessing you put some on a patch as opposed to a brush and have at it?

jtmarine0831

Yes it works much better on a patch than a brush. What exactly do you mean by ugly? Me personally, I believe abrasives are a BAD idea! Even Tubbs bullets. That is unless it was a brand new barrel and had not undergone an initial handlapping. To answer your question on how to use the bore paste, use it like you would be cleaning your barrel just try to keep it out of the chamber!!


He Dog has a good point about the electronic cleaner! It works great and you will be suprised on what comes out with it. I also recommend a good copper solvent! Such as Sweets, Montana X-treme, Tipton's, etc.. Copper solvent works on more than just copper, I use it between every 15 to 20 shots, and I then use Break-Free afterwards and overnight to further loosen deposits.

Another thing is that after one shooting session it will take more than one cleaning session to clean the bore. Inside the bore there are hundreds of small fissures and pores. The longer the rifle sits the more deposits seep from these cracks. I clean my rifles fairly good after a session and then again each day for the next few days as more and more seeps to the surface. I don't get it perfect because you can actually over clean a barrel, some fouling is neccesary for accuracy

Wolf.

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Yeah, I have to ask the same question.

Explain, please, what you mean by an "ugly" bore. Is it super dirty and clogged up with lead and powder residue? Is it rusty and pitted? What!?

MIKE WISKEY

a 'lot' of the old krags were fired with corrosive primed ammo and not cleaned properly, if the bore is rusted/pitted you may be able to smooth it up some but this will not help much.

Maxx424

What I meant buy ugly is that it is rough and very hard to clean. In a prior posting there was a suggestion on the paste and the
Tubbs. Shoots OK but after 80 rounds it can take two weeks to get it somewhat clean. Just trying to make it a little easier to clean.

He Dog

I would suggest using one of the foam cleaners or electronic.

Maxx424

I have use one of the foam cleaners. Can you tell me about he electronic?

md1634

Tried Blue Wonder?

He Dog

http://www.surplusrifle.com/reviews/copperout/index.asp

Scroll down a bit for instructions on how to build and use your own for a few $$. Ready built electonic cleaners go for $60 and up.

gotstolefrom

I'm moving to an electro process too for really dirty milsurp 'cosmoline surprises'.
I reload, but I've never considered the abrasive bullets...abrasives and high speeds/pressures just doesn't feel right to me.

A mild abrasive bore cleaner can help really cruddy bores..I'll rub the abrasive paste into a patch, and wrap the patch around a worn bore brush (a new brush may be too tight a fit). Just follow instructions on the product.
As mentioned, lapping a new barrel can remove chatter marks and such to make for easier cleaning.
The compound can help an already crudded up bore, but it will likely not clean up in one session...no matter how long.
It is usually a combination of cleaning, shoot a few, clean , shoot, etc. until it stops giving you black. You can clean all you can get, make one shot, and then get 10 black patches....just the way it goes.
( So, you see why some of us are considering an electro-rig. )

ENJOY !

idsman75

I stopped using Break-Free over a year ago when I found Strike Hold. It's a solvent, dry-lube and protectant all in one. I would lock the bolt to the rear on my M-4 and tip it forward on its muzzle while hosing it down completely with Break-Free. There wasn't an inch that wasn't covered. The stuff would drip off the rifle with all the crap and then dry completely to the touch. I'd swab out the barrel and rub it down just for the heck of it even though it wasn't necessary. It completely resisted the dust of Iraq and got things MUCH cleaner than Break-Free. I'm a Strike-Hold convert forever. I'm buying 2 cases after my Christmas spending is over because local retailers can be hard to find. My last unit BANNED Break-Free and the Commander stocked Supply with cases and cases of Strike Hold.

Maxx424

Interestng - perhaps I am being a bit OCD on the cleaning. I have used Blue Wonder also. Not a lot of stones left unturned. I'm going to check out he foul out electronic item. This is an old gun and I don't want ot mess it up but it is a shooter and not a wall hanger.