Removing lead and powder fouling
- Thread starter Slowbalt
- Start date
I guess a bronze brush might in theory scratch up the bore... Maybe use a jag and a plastic only dish scrubby? They're like steel wool but only plastic with no additional abrasives or anything like that - usually fused at both ends. I've used them when I didn't have the right size brush to good effect.
If it's just gummed up with fouling a solid scrub in a bathtub full to the rim with almost too hot to handle soapy water and a brush is usually my first response. If it's rusty and full of solid lead fouling/junk and brushes aren't doing anything, a very low power electro cleaner in the bore can free fouling enough to break it free with a brush.
I personally don't use any chemicals so can't speak to them.
If it's just gummed up with fouling a solid scrub in a bathtub full to the rim with almost too hot to handle soapy water and a brush is usually my first response. If it's rusty and full of solid lead fouling/junk and brushes aren't doing anything, a very low power electro cleaner in the bore can free fouling enough to break it free with a brush.
I personally don't use any chemicals so can't speak to them.
This is what I got from H4831 a while ago. It works very well.
Re: lead solution
Quote Originally Posted by bearhunter
Hi Bruce, I would like to see that lead remover recipe of yours as well.
Could you PM it for me as well??? I would appreciate it.
Here is a copy of what I've been sending out.
------------------------
Before I tried this I pried a bullet from a 22 shell and dropped it into some of the solution. Next morning the small container of solution was black.
By third morning the bullet was just some black sludge.
I bought a 22 RF that was so badly leaded that you could hardly see through the barrel. I took it out without harm to anything, or anybody.
Use a 50-50 mix of white vinigar and household hydrogen peroxide, which is 3% solution.
Plug one end of the barrel and with the rifle upright, fill the barrel with it. With a 22 barrel it was hard to get the air out, so the fluid would fill the barrel.
I have seen instructions, where it said to leave the fluid for only a short time, then drain it. But I left it at least over night, then drain and do it again.
I think it took three times to get it all out, but it ended up perfect.
I think it also says to keep it off the bluing, but being on for a short while, from spilling, etc, didn't hurt a thing.
Bruce Lamb
Gerald,
This was the first time I ever saw a 22 rim fire leaded up. I have heard other people talk about it, but haven't a clue why it does it, now.
We never used to clean a 22. After I got this 22 for a song, wondered why, until I looked down the barrel, I checked my Model 69A. I got that rifle used in the mid 60s, did a lot of competition shooting with it, then off and on use.
I don't ever remember cleaning it, so after the clogged up one, I ran a patch through the old Winchester.
Not a speck of lead!
So is the odd 22 barrel so rough now that they lead?
Or is it some type of ammo?
Cheers, Bruce
Re: lead solution
Quote Originally Posted by bearhunter
Hi Bruce, I would like to see that lead remover recipe of yours as well.
Could you PM it for me as well??? I would appreciate it.
Here is a copy of what I've been sending out.
------------------------
Before I tried this I pried a bullet from a 22 shell and dropped it into some of the solution. Next morning the small container of solution was black.
By third morning the bullet was just some black sludge.
I bought a 22 RF that was so badly leaded that you could hardly see through the barrel. I took it out without harm to anything, or anybody.
Use a 50-50 mix of white vinigar and household hydrogen peroxide, which is 3% solution.
Plug one end of the barrel and with the rifle upright, fill the barrel with it. With a 22 barrel it was hard to get the air out, so the fluid would fill the barrel.
I have seen instructions, where it said to leave the fluid for only a short time, then drain it. But I left it at least over night, then drain and do it again.
I think it took three times to get it all out, but it ended up perfect.
I think it also says to keep it off the bluing, but being on for a short while, from spilling, etc, didn't hurt a thing.
Bruce Lamb
Gerald,
This was the first time I ever saw a 22 rim fire leaded up. I have heard other people talk about it, but haven't a clue why it does it, now.
We never used to clean a 22. After I got this 22 for a song, wondered why, until I looked down the barrel, I checked my Model 69A. I got that rifle used in the mid 60s, did a lot of competition shooting with it, then off and on use.
I don't ever remember cleaning it, so after the clogged up one, I ran a patch through the old Winchester.
Not a speck of lead!
So is the odd 22 barrel so rough now that they lead?
Or is it some type of ammo?
Cheers, Bruce
eaglesnester
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
WipeOut black powder solvent, works like a charm.
Murphy's oil mixed with 99% isopropyl alcohol works and a standard brass brush wont hurt it. Try a combination of patches and brushing, it might take a few sessions over the course of a few days or a week even. Patience is key when it comes to this and make sure it's well oiled in between.
