quote:

Originally posted by Gatogordo:

quote:

I now use only WD40 specialist Corrosion Inhibitor and Frog Lube.

I read the test too and subsequently bought a few bottles of Frog Lube. Horrible stuff unless you use it strictly for long term rust prevention. It becomes gummy and sticky. I used it on my son's Super Black Eagle at end of season last year after he was in the rain all day. Gun would not function this year, completely gummed up. We had to completely take it apart, use brake cleaner, and air compressor on it to get all the gunk out. Outside, fine if you don't mind the tacky texture, Inside, never unless you're using it to clean barrel and are going to remove all but the faintest trace. My advice, buy another product. Like Hornady TAP, for instance.

Shootaway, more barrels are ruined by cleaning than neglect. IMO most non-target guns barrels are way overcleaned.

I don't think I've ever talked to a gunsmith that doesn't like WD-40 because it creates work for them cleaning up the gummed up actions. Anyone who says WD-40 doesn't leave a sticky deposit if sprayed on and left must be living on another planet than me. It's not bad stuff, great water displacer, just not designed for triggers or tight spaces.

quote:

It is not for nothing shooters clean their rifles.I am sure if their rifles kept on being accurate none of them would clean.There is a reason they are constantly cleaning their bores.Any time you shoot you are aiming for a target.It is the copper-if it wasn't for that cleaning would be a small issue,IMO.

quote:

Jerry Tierney, 2005 NBRSA 1000-Yard Champion
Member, U.S. Palma Team
"For my 6.5-284 and .284 I clean every 100-150 rounds and normally do not brush. I'll go even longer with the .308. I've found that my X-count peaked with the Palma rifle at the fourth or fifth match (about 200-300 rounds)."

This is controversial I know, but I do a LOT less barrel cleaning than most people do. I typically run a lot of rounds through the barrel before cleaning, and I rarely use a brush.

In a multi-day match, with all the rifles I shoot, I'll almost always wait 'til the end of the match before cleaning. Only if I experience something unusual, then I'll go ahead and clean. Most of the time, I do NOT brush. I'll use Shooters Choice, wet patches, one wet, two dry. Occasionally I'll use a nylon brush, maybe every third cleaning--about every 300 rounds. On a Palma barrel I'll go up to 500 rounds between cleaning, so that might mean 2000 rounds between brushing. I've developed this cleaning regimen based on my observed match results. I've found that my X-count peaked with the Palma rifle at the fourth or fifth match (about 200-300 rounds). Once I get about 200 rounds through the barrel, the X-count seems to climb for about 150-200 rounds then levels out. And then I'll clean at about 400 rounds.

On the 6.5-284 and .284 I'll clean after a double match, so I'll clean every 100-150 rounds. I haven't needed to use JB on the throat. I'm not a fan of moly or putting any abrasive cleaners in my barrel. When I do brush, I use nylon and I'll remove the brush after it exits the muzzle. I agree with the smiths who say that many barrels are ruined by improper cleaning. I've seen crown damage because of bad cleaning rod procedures. I do advocate taking the brush off at the end of the muzzle to protect the crown. And, as long as we're stirring controversy here, I don't uniform primer pockets, I don't ream flash-holes (other than deburring Win brass), and I don't religiously scrape out the primer pockets after each firing (I will if they're real dirty). I've tested and I have not been able to demonstrate these processes deliver better accuracy or better scores."

David Tubb, 11-Time NRA (Camp Perry) National Champion
"I shoot moly-coated bullets. I usually shoot 400-450 rounds with the 6XC and DTAC 115s. Then I clean the barrel thoroughly with Sweet's 7.62 and brass brush."

I shoot moly in most every caliber if possible. I thoroughly clean or not at all. I'll use a one-caliber oversize brass brush and Sweet's 7.62. I'll brush for about 20 strokes each way, keeping the brush wet with solvent. Cleaning the barrel that thoroughly will require you to season your barrel back (this applies whether you shoot bare bullets or moly-coated bullets). I figure most never notice this since they shoot their first shots at 200 yards or less. When shooting a longer distance (1000 yards) I like to see about a dozen shots through before I go for record. To show you the importance of "re-seasoning" your barrel, here is one example of many I have encountered. In 1995 I shot a match in Baily, Colorado, starting at 600 yards early in the morning. I cleaned the rifle as described above and even shot three foulers through it on the way to the range (nobody else does this do they!?) Anyway, I shot a 100-1X for the first 10 shots (plus two sighters to start the string) then followed up with a 100-9X using a 243 with uncoated 107gr Sierras. That shows you the difference between a "squeaky clean" barrel, and one which has been seasoned.

I usually shoot up to 400-450 rounds without cleaning the 6XC with 115s and robust loads. After that I want to clean since it is time for a few (usually three) TMS (lapping) bullets to keep the throat in order. After the last of three patches, I'll run one with either Hoppes #9 or Shooters Choice to add back a small amount of lubrication for the first shot to follow. [Editor: for info on TMS system go to DavidTubb.com.]

Stan Ware, SGR Custom Rifles, Gunsmith and Score Shooter
"I normally go 80-95 rounds between cleanings. My 30BR is capable of .068" MOA accuracy and I've seen no drop off in accuracy for 100 rounds or more. I've seen barrels ruined with abrasive cleaners."

Count me among those who are favoring shooting more and cleaning less. With my 30BR, using a Lilja 3-groove barrel, I've found I can go 80-95 rounds (five complete score matches) with no drop-off in accuracy. This barrel has shot .068" for five shots, and, in the right conditions, that accuracy potential will hold for 100 shots or more.

quote:

Originally posted by Gatogordo:

quote:

It is not for nothing shooters clean their rifles.I am sure if their rifles kept on being accurate none of them would clean.There is a reason they are constantly cleaning their bores.Any time you shoot you are aiming for a target.It is the copper-if it wasn't for that cleaning would be a small issue,IMO.

Admittedly different shooters use different methods, benchrest shooters seem to clean very often and long range shooters seem to clean much less often. However, for the level of accuracy your shooting requires, cleaning barrels often is a waste of time.

From an older article on cleaning:

quote:

Jerry Tierney, 2005 NBRSA 1000-Yard Champion
Member, U.S. Palma Team
"For my 6.5-284 and .284 I clean every 100-150 rounds and normally do not brush. I'll go even longer with the .308. I've found that my X-count peaked with the Palma rifle at the fourth or fifth match (about 200-300 rounds)."

This is controversial I know, but I do a LOT less barrel cleaning than most people do. I typically run a lot of rounds through the barrel before cleaning, and I rarely use a brush.

In a multi-day match, with all the rifles I shoot, I'll almost always wait 'til the end of the match before cleaning. Only if I experience something unusual, then I'll go ahead and clean. Most of the time, I do NOT brush. I'll use Shooters Choice, wet patches, one wet, two dry. Occasionally I'll use a nylon brush, maybe every third cleaning--about every 300 rounds. On a Palma barrel I'll go up to 500 rounds between cleaning, so that might mean 2000 rounds between brushing. I've developed this cleaning regimen based on my observed match results. I've found that my X-count peaked with the Palma rifle at the fourth or fifth match (about 200-300 rounds). Once I get about 200 rounds through the barrel, the X-count seems to climb for about 150-200 rounds then levels out. And then I'll clean at about 400 rounds.

On the 6.5-284 and .284 I'll clean after a double match, so I'll clean every 100-150 rounds. I haven't needed to use JB on the throat. I'm not a fan of moly or putting any abrasive cleaners in my barrel. When I do brush, I use nylon and I'll remove the brush after it exits the muzzle. I agree with the smiths who say that many barrels are ruined by improper cleaning. I've seen crown damage because of bad cleaning rod procedures. I do advocate taking the brush off at the end of the muzzle to protect the crown. And, as long as we're stirring controversy here, I don't uniform primer pockets, I don't ream flash-holes (other than deburring Win brass), and I don't religiously scrape out the primer pockets after each firing (I will if they're real dirty). I've tested and I have not been able to demonstrate these processes deliver better accuracy or better scores."

David Tubb, 11-Time NRA (Camp Perry) National Champion
"I shoot moly-coated bullets. I usually shoot 400-450 rounds with the 6XC and DTAC 115s. Then I clean the barrel thoroughly with Sweet's 7.62 and brass brush."

I shoot moly in most every caliber if possible. I thoroughly clean or not at all. I'll use a one-caliber oversize brass brush and Sweet's 7.62. I'll brush for about 20 strokes each way, keeping the brush wet with solvent. Cleaning the barrel that thoroughly will require you to season your barrel back (this applies whether you shoot bare bullets or moly-coated bullets). I figure most never notice this since they shoot their first shots at 200 yards or less. When shooting a longer distance (1000 yards) I like to see about a dozen shots through before I go for record. To show you the importance of "re-seasoning" your barrel, here is one example of many I have encountered. In 1995 I shot a match in Baily, Colorado, starting at 600 yards early in the morning. I cleaned the rifle as described above and even shot three foulers through it on the way to the range (nobody else does this do they!?) Anyway, I shot a 100-1X for the first 10 shots (plus two sighters to start the string) then followed up with a 100-9X using a 243 with uncoated 107gr Sierras. That shows you the difference between a "squeaky clean" barrel, and one which has been seasoned.

I usually shoot up to 400-450 rounds without cleaning the 6XC with 115s and robust loads. After that I want to clean since it is time for a few (usually three) TMS (lapping) bullets to keep the throat in order. After the last of three patches, I'll run one with either Hoppes #9 or Shooters Choice to add back a small amount of lubrication for the first shot to follow. [Editor: for info on TMS system go to DavidTubb.com.]

Stan Ware, SGR Custom Rifles, Gunsmith and Score Shooter
"I normally go 80-95 rounds between cleanings. My 30BR is capable of .068" MOA accuracy and I've seen no drop off in accuracy for 100 rounds or more. I've seen barrels ruined with abrasive cleaners."

Count me among those who are favoring shooting more and cleaning less. With my 30BR, using a Lilja 3-groove barrel, I've found I can go 80-95 rounds (five complete score matches) with no drop-off in accuracy. This barrel has shot .068" for five shots, and, in the right conditions, that accuracy potential will hold for 100 shots or more.

quote:

Originally posted by RaySendero:
I like WD-40 for cleaning and moisture removal.

That's it!

quote:

Originally posted by SR4759:
I buy Barricade in the small can and do not have to use but a very small amount.
I quit using WD-40 for anything except removing tar from my car 40 years ago. It would not protect my firearms from rust.

quote:

Originally posted by Jon Leary:
I been using WD 40 for 30 years or more, I clean the bore first with bore cleaner then swab it out with WD. I buy it by the gallon and use spray bottles. Never had a rusted bore. Also use it to wipe off the exterior of the gun. If you have problems with gumming you aren"t using enough to flush out the gunk.