Barrel cleaning question

[KDX]

I know it is common practice to only use the bore brush one way (chamber to muzzle), but has there ever been a test done to see if it actually harms the barrel if it's pulled backwards?

 

[McD]

When using the bore brush chamber to muzzle you pull it back.
The point of going from the chamber is with a bore guide the rod and brush are guided into the bore.
The rod leaving the crown with the brush does drop onto the crown and the farther you push the rod past before you pull it back the longer you will be draging along the crown before the brush enters the bore again. The brush centers the rod end.
You can buy crown savers also that help prevent this damage.
Have not seen any tests.

 

[Mystic Precision]

There have been simple tests authored by John Barness in Rifle/Handloader.

He showed no benefit to a bore guide and that a cleaning rod damaging a crown or throat would require some serious abuse if at all.

This is a pretty touchy topic. Unfortunately, not alot of proof.

Personally, I don't bother with a bore guide. Run my brushes both ways and have had zero problems maintaining accuracy in my rifles.

I do wipe my cleaning rods carefully and ofter during the cleaning process.

Jerry

 

[guntech]

I think the big advantage to a bore guide came from the days of short cleaning rods and high fixed combs on position shooting rifles... you had to lift up hard on the rod to get past the comb with the handle and your hand... this did cause damage if done repeatably as it was in target rifles.

Every rifle will benefit in the long run by proper cleaning techniques.

 

[Winz]

There have been simple tests authored by John Barness in Rifle/Handloader.

He showed no benefit to a bore guide and that a cleaning rod damaging a crown or throat would require some serious abuse if at all.

This is a pretty touchy topic. Unfortunately, not alot of proof.

Personally, I don't bother with a bore guide. Run my brushes both ways and have had zero problems maintaining accuracy in my rifles.

I do wipe my cleaning rods carefully and ofter during the cleaning process.

Jerry

Like you, I think most of us probably won't see much difference given that we all probably tend to use quality rods and don't jam the rods in sawing motions up and down.

I use stainless rods...people tend to like Dewey(can get coated rods), but ProShot is quite nice too. Don't know too many who use cheap alu-rods or some mysterious wrought iron fire poker of a cleaning rod.

 

[Danny Boy]

With brass brush and graphite rod I push and pull from the chamber end. If I had to clean from the muzzle such as my lever gun or semi-auto, I would go slow and avoid touching the crown. I don't have accuracy issue.

Danny