Carbon rings and steam cleaners

[Jose_Luis_G]

I've thinking in a solution for those carbon rings you mention in your posts.
Really I don't have such problem, but it may happen that it is related to high loads and a certain burning rate of the powder.
Anyway, I wonder if you have ever thought in using a steam cleaner for such purpose.
I don't know if it is a widely used device for the housewife in your country, but it can do the removal of the carbon rings very easy and quick.

In Europe it is a common device, and can be found almost everywhere, at a very cheap price while you stick to the basic models.
A different thing is when you move to the large, high production ones, which are much more expensive.
For removing / cleaning the bore you just need a metallic hose properly bent to carry the steam from the steam cleaner into the chamber, and to place the muzzle downwards into a bucket.
Just a few strokes with clean patches afterwards, to dry the bore and that is all.
My two cents.

 

[DanSavage]

That is a very good idea,, steam does remove carbon, I gonna have to try that, we've got a steam wall paper remover so I'm sure I can rig it up in the ole gun room.LOL

 

[jonbearman]

Hola, welcome to the forum. Interesting idea to say the least. Let us know if it works? Do you have a bore scope to see in detail what the steam would do to stainless or chrome moly.

 

[Nanook73]

I have actually the exact steam cleaner that you have shown in your picture and have used it for barrel cleaning. I was very surprised at how quickly the barrel heats up and you would have to assume that the amount of heat alone, even without accounting for the steam pressure effect must assist in the overall cleaning process.

I just connect by using flexible tubing, which is a press fit into the back of the bore guide and away you go.......

 

[SHootSTraight22]

Just a little tip try K&N Industries cleaning products... I clean with KG1 first for carbon then KG12 second for copper... I only use KG2 Bore Polish every 500-600rds... I also only use VFG pellets in my barrel for cleaning and polishing.. The VFG brass imbedded "intensive" pellets are used a lot also. I've hardly ever used a nylon brush except in the first 250rds a handful of times.. I think most importantly I use a T.K. Tool Company "Barrel Saver" Rod Guide.. I say most importantly because last week after around 1,500rds down the barrel I only have between .020-.030 of wear according to the OAL of a bullet pushed into the chamber (this comparison was made from comparing my new OAL "touching or pushed forward until lands seat the bullet" to the measurment I got on day one.) Also, when I clean I don't let my muscles do the cleaning but the pellet or my motion... I don't look like I'm ramming a rod in and out! I'm shooting a 6.5x47 Lapua with 40gr H4350 and sometimes a high pressure load of Varget.. I also try to keep my barrel in the shade and have never shot over 30-35rds or shots without a small break... I have no black ring at all (I say that because a LED light will shine/glare back enough to temporarly blind you.)

 

[mousegunner]

I can't see the pictures but what about the floor steam cleaners? My wife has one with attachments for steaming clothes and a nozzle to concentrate the steam.

 

[Mad_Charlie]

Back in the day we used to squirt water into the intake of a fully warmed up and fast idling engine to take carbon out of combustion chambers.

Nowadays I just use Quicksilver Power Tune for engines and rifles.

No reason steam wouldn't work.