Novice question....how/when to clean a M700 bolt

[jb0311]

This is a pretty basic and newbie question, and I searched but couldn't find a thread covering this. I found one covering grease points on a bolt which was very helpful...

So i've spent most of my time with either pistols, semi-autos (AR-15's 10's), and hunting rifles, and have never "needed" (in hindsight I probably have) to break down my M700 bolt for an in depth cleaning. I got it back in the mail the other day, after getting the factory bolt knob replaced, and when I cycled the bolt for the first time it felt and sounded "gritty". I get this when I am rotating the handle up and down and it feels like something got inside at that opening by the handle. I am aware of how to remove the firing pin, I was just wanting to get some advice for cleaning before I jumped right in and went too gung-ho on my bolt.
I am assuming I will be scrubbing the internals with a solvent, but shouldn't need a copper solvent or a bore cleaning solvent. Am I wanting just a general degreaser or what would you all use? Hot water, dry, and then lube? I am picking up some better cleaning supplies as I have never went beyond the large Otis kit or boresnakes and RemOil, so I can throw something else in the cart for this if needed.
After cleaning, am I just putting a drop of grease on the threads before I reassemble, or more than that?

I know these are basic questions, as until recently I only used bolt-actions for hunting, so they had maybe 5 rounds through them each year.

While we're at it, how often should I be breaking down my bolt to clean it like this? I'm still not running through barrels like a lot of you, but would like a general reference point if that's something realistic to ask.

I appreciate any guidance with this. If I have missed a thread on this, or if it easier just throwing a web link on here thats fine, just point me in the right direction. I know this is basic knowledge for a lot of folks on here.
Thanks,
Josh

 

[Deleted member 10043]

Don't take apart the bolt unless it is broke. Clean and lube when it feels like it needs to be.

 

[ShtrRdy]

I would at least remove the firing pin assembly from the bolt body so you can make sure the channel is lean.

 

[Maxduty]

Yours may have metal in it. Under regular use, my experience has been they don't need to be taken apart to be cleaned adequately. My rifle was built in roughly 1962. It's been through 2 barrels and the bolt has never been apart. I'd try brake cleaner and an air compressor, then lube it.If that doesn't give you satifactory results, then strip it and clean it.

 

[chevy_man]

I've fixed gritty things with a flush under hot water, dried, and then a dip in Ed's red. Apply grease if applicable after letting excess oil drain.

 

[jb0311]

Yours may have metal in it. Under regular use, my experience has been they don't need to be taken apart to be cleaned adequately. My rifle was built in roughly 1962. It's been through 2 barrels and the bolt has never been apart. I'd try brake cleaner and an air compressor, then lube it.If that doesn't give you satifactory results, then strip it and clean it.

That's kind of what I was thinking. It has a noticeable difference after being sent off for work. I've never had one act like this so it seemed like something other than just "being dirty". I appreciate your input and I'll give that a shot. Thanks.