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Rifle Cleaning

PharmShooter

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 16, 2011
179
0
52
Muncie, IN
I need some help relative to the best way to clean your high end long range rifles. I know there are probably many threads regarding proper cleaning techniques so feel free to direct me. What do you do, and when do you do it? When I've asked a fee people I've gotten every answer under the sun. Thanks.
 
I think most will say that they clean it when they see accuracy fall off, which is exactly what I do. Main reason is I want to keep the barrel semi-fouled as often as possible so I dont have to worry about getting the groups tight again from a clean barrel.

My process is to obviously unload the gun, insert bore guide, grab Dewey rod and Parker Hale jag. I then run a couple of Hoppes 9 soaked patches down the bore and let it soak for 5 minutes or so, then run a couple dry patches down the barrel. I then repeat the process again, except with M-Pro Bore-Gel (no ammonia or any barrel eaters in it) and let it soak for a good 10-15 minutes, then dry patch it out. I finish up after that with a patch down the bore with some frog-lube CLP, and then run one dry patch after it, just to protect the bore.
 
I think most will say that they clean it when they see accuracy fall off, which is exactly what I do. Main reason is I want to keep the barrel semi-fouled as often as possible so I dont have to worry about getting the groups tight again from a clean barrel.

My process is to obviously unload the gun, insert bore guide, grab Dewey rod and Parker Hale jag. I then run a couple of Hoppes 9 soaked patches down the bore and let it soak for 5 minutes or so, then run a couple dry patches down the barrel. I then repeat the process again, except with M-Pro Bore-Gel (no ammonia or any barrel eaters in it) and let it soak for a good 10-15 minutes, then dry patch it out. I finish up after that with a patch down the bore with some frog-lube CLP, and then run one dry patch after it, just to protect the bore.

Do you use a brush at all?
 
I will probably be flogged, but I have not cleaned mine since the 1st day I got it. Cleaned the shit out of it and just been shooting it since then. Its been just over 650 rounds and it shot 2 groups at 510 yards, one was .230 moa and the other .305 moa a few days ago.
 
I use Wipe-Out with accelerator. I usually clean once a year when I put it up for hunting season. I find that any accuracy fall-off in that time is due to my breaking form. I use HxBN coated bullets, and when I clean I get almost NO blue. Once through with Wipe-Out is all it takes.
 
I just pull a bore snake thru mine about 3 or 4 times and run an oiled patch with KG-4 oil on it and follow that up with 1 clean patch then put it away till the next time I shoot. Still shoots 1/4 moa. Less cleaning is better in my opinion. I have had better luck not cleaning.

"ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ"
 
Okay, sounds like less cleaning is better. This I have been doing.

When choosing a brush it sounds like they need to be nylon versus metal. I ordered the brand "No Harm Brass Core" Phosphor Bronze brush. Should I not use it??? See link: https://www.deweyrods.com/cart/index.php?route=product/category&path=93_94_105

Also, I bought the brand "Pro Shot" cleaning rod which is stainless steel. Should I ditch these rods? See link: http://www.proshotproducts.com/Micro-Polished-Cleaning-Rods_c_80.html

Thanks for all the feedback.
 
Depends a lot on the cartridge in terms of accuracy drop off. My 308 has never had a drop off in accuracy~800 rounds. However, my 260AI needs far more frequent cleaning. Despite the barrel being a premium brand and hand lapped accuracy starts slipping at about 100-140 rounds. Or I just suck after than many shots. I have never experienced fowling bad enough that I used a brush. I just use a tight patch/jag with shooters choice cut with some Kroil. Dewey rod and bore guide as well. Don't use a stainless rod unless it is coated. It may not make a difference but barrels are a lot more expensive than cleaning rods.
 
Okay, sounds like less cleaning is better. This I have been doing.

When choosing a brush it sounds like they need to be nylon versus metal. I ordered the brand "No Harm Brass Core" Phosphor Bronze brush. Should I not use it??? See link: https://www.deweyrods.com/cart/index.php?route=product/category&path=93_94_105

Also, I bought the brand "Pro Shot" cleaning rod which is stainless steel. Should I ditch these rods? See link: http://www.proshotproducts.com/Micro-Polished-Cleaning-Rods_c_80.html

Thanks for all the feedback.

Those will work although I would favor some sort of coated rod. You NEED a bore guide as well.
 
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I run the first patch thru and take it out from the muzzle end, then 2 more wet patches with Hoppes #9, sound familiar? I run that 3rd patch up and down the bore more than a few times and if I notice its getting really dark Ill run a 4th down, usually dont have to do that though. Ill let that sit for maybe an hour or so sometimes, then run a patch of kroil and let that sit for a little while, sometimes overnight then Ill run a patch of Militec-1, might let that sit overnight as well, then 2 dry patches, done. I use a Lucas bore guide, Dewey rod & Dewey Parker hale jags. No brushes.