Gunsmithing Cleaning rods...

[Goattman]

This is my first post, so go easy on me. I put it in gunsmithing instead of equipment as I am looking for a more technical answer rather than opinion. I have been shooting for 30 years or more, but have recently taken it up a notch with my new Remington 700 P in .308.

After reading Jeff's post on barrel break-in I decided it was time to ask:

How do barrels get scratched from cleaning rods?

Assuming you use a bore guide and care it doesn't seem logical. Aluminum and brass are softer than a barrel, according to Pro-Shot my stainless one piece is as well:

"Thank you for your email, I will address you question.  First, the cleaning rod is made from 416HT steel that has an (Rockwell Hardness) HRC of 26, it is a different steel totally than the barrel steel.  Barrel Steel is made from 416R.  Barrel steel is much stronger and tougher than our rod material.  Not to mention we also centerles grind, micro polish, and finish polish the rod to a finish of 6.  Regular machined stainless steel has a finish of over 30.   If you have any additional questions or concerns, please let me know."

Thoughts on SS cleaning rods would be welcome as well.

So, how do cleaning rods scratch barrels?

 

[GSRswapandslow]

Re: Cleaning rods...

good questions....i've always wondered that myself.....

on the same not..what about barrel brushes as well? I have a friend that won't use one, no matter what, on his guns....but i use the hell out of them and my guns shoot better than his generally

 

[Clark]

Re: Cleaning rods...

There are two school of thought.

1) Use a soft coated cleaning rod, so it will not scratch the bore.
2) Use a hard surface cleaning rod, because soft rods get embedded with small abrasive particles.

I personally have a number of the soft coated Dewey rods, and I wipe them off often.

The thrust bearings in the Dewey rods seem to hold up better for me than other brands with bearings in the handle.
http://www.deweyrods.com/