Cleaning a .308 with a .22 rod

[Ocelot]

I just bought a one piece coated cleaning rod in .22 to clean my AR15. Is it safe to use the same rod for .308, or do I have to buy a second rod? I know the .22 rod will flex slightly, but will it flex enough to cause problems?

 

[flounderv2]

Re: Cleaning a .308 with a .22 rod

It will be fine. You should be using a bore guide anyway.

 

[Ocelot]

Re: Cleaning a .308 with a .22 rod

I do have a bore guide. I also thought about using a muzzle guide as well and inserting the rod from the muzzle, attaching the brush or swab, then pulling from breech to muzzle. This would eliminate bending the rod and causing it to contact the rifling.

 

[MattyG]

Re: Cleaning a .308 with a .22 rod

I would be careful when pulling the patch through as I have ripped carbon shafts and and coated shafts out of the handle assemblies. I do see when I use my .22 rod in my .308 in a pinch that the rod flexes heavily and I have concerns that the rod coating will be damaged from contacting the lands during cleaning from the rod bowing.

 

[Wheres-Waldo]

Re: Cleaning a .308 with a .22 rod

Your going to want to clean from breech to muzzle in any instance where its possible.

You also will be fine with and under-caliber rod. Get as close of a fit as possible between the rod and the bore-guide though.

 

[IkeEng]

Re: Cleaning a .308 with a .22 rod

While everything mentioned above is correct and sound, just think of it this way....if you mar up the rod or damage the barrel it will cost you more in the long run.

It's always best to have the proper tooling for a job. JMHO