Cleaning lead out of bore
I need a product that will remove ancient leading in antique rifle. I'd like to hear from folks who have been in a like situation and succeeded in cleaning it out. The bore is mostly smooth lands and grooves with considerable shine but has scattered fouling. There probably is some some minor pitting, but I do not know how much at this point in time, as the majority of the spots look like leading to me. Should there be anyone here who knows of such a product, please tell me about it, your experience, and your degree of success. Thanks.
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There are basically two approaches, mechanical and chemical.
If you get an Outers Foul Out or similar, it will chemically remove all lead (and copper for that matter) quite efficiently.
Before I made that investment though, I'd look at plugging the bore and letting some Kroil soak in it for a few days. Then go at it with a bronze brush wrapped in 0000 steel wool. Brownells also sells a kit that uses a brass wire mesh patch over a rubber jag to essentially cut the lead out, that works quite well.
If the bore isn't badly obstructed, paper patched bullets will also sand the lead out quite efficiently and polish the bore to boot.
As a last resort, a 50/50 mix of peroxide and white vinegar left to soak in the bore for 10 minutes will turn any lead into a gray slurry that wipes right out. But it's quite caustic on the metal and will etch the metal, and pit it if you leave it in too long. It also is hell on bluing and many wood finishes. I have used it as a last resort in several cases, and it always works great, and if it's a one time thing shouldn't cause any visible bore damage. Just make sure to flush with water and then scrub thoroughly with solvent after.0 -
When breaking in my 29's I could pull about 10" lead wires from the 10 5/8" tube with Shooter's Choice. Bronze brush wet, wait a while then a wet tight patch followed by several dry tight patches. I like JB bore paste too. 0 -
Plug one end and then fill bore with Kroil let set 24-48 hours pour out Kroil and with just a few strokes with bore brush you will remove rust as well as any lead.
EDIT Yes KROIL is hard to find in normal BIG BOX type stores Rather go to industral supply type places NAPA at one time carried it I buy mine 12 cans at a time.and have it shipped to my work place. It will really do the trick and Yes J.B. Bore cleaner will shine the bore without damage or removing good metal.AFTER the kroil has gotten all the rust and lead out0 -
Kroil, what a great product, have used it for many years. Don't believe it's available in retail stores? Often wondered why[?] 0 -
Thanks guys, as the info is very much appreciated! I'll try the 24-48 hour Kroil treatment first. Have a good afternoon.
EDIT: I have an 8 oz. can of it. What is used to plug the bore, cork?0 -
Karl,
You forgot to tell him about mercury. As a very last resort, plug the barrel, fill it with mercury and slosh it back and forth, pour it out and clean the barrel. As I said, this is a last resort, but it works.
W.D.0 -
Thank you, W.D.! 0 -
Another vote for Kroil. It gets between fouling and the metal of the bore, stinks but will NOT harm bore. Tractor Supply carries it, but I order directly from Kano Labs. 0 -
I had luck cleaning a badly lead-fouled 7 1/2-inch Colt, by using Hoppe's No 9. I packed the bore with patches that were saturated, and let it sit for 24 hours. The lead came out in long slivers when the patches were pushed out. 0 -
Amazon has Kroil if you can't find it anywhere else. NEVER use steel wool, especially in an old barrel that might be a softer grade heat treated steel. If it can't be removed with brass bristles it needs to soak a little longer in Kroil. Also keep in mind that you don't have to get every last spec of lead out of a barrel for it to shoot well if that is your goal. You will never get all the lead out of pitting except with reverse electroplating. 0
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