Best Carbon Cleaner

[Hoot]

This is my other favorite for brushing. Smells better.

...snip...

Look out overstuffed chemical cabinet. Here comes another one.

Hoot

 

[Shooter13]

Me too.

Got it but haven't tried it yet, anything "special" you do? Or just brush or patch you way to "carbon free" life?

 

[CharlieNC]

Got it but haven't tried it yet, anything "special" you do? Or just brush or patch you way to "carbon free" life?

I shove a paper towel in the chamber, and spray a short blast using the straw into the muzzle. Soak a while then brush. For tough, hard carbon an application of an abrasive still may be required periodically.

For fun. First clean your normal way, then followup with FA to see how much comes out!

 

[jelenko]

I shove a paper towel in the chamber, and spray a short blast using the straw into the muzzle. Soak a while then brush. For tough, hard carbon an application of an abrasive still may be required periodically.

For fun. First clean your normal way, then followup with FA to see how much comes out!

I just did that. Actually, used CLR to first wet patch out the loose carbon, then 20 strokes with a brass brush.
Dry patched till very little of anything was on the patch.
Observed the barrel with a borescope - yep, lots of carbon in the first 5 inches.

Then, bushed 20 strokes with free all and the same brass brush.
No question some dark stuff came out.
Dry patched till very little of anything was on the patch.
Observed the barrel with a borescope - VERY difficult to see any difference. The first inch or so might have been a quarter shade lighter.

I've done this same thing in the past with C4 first, then CLR and vice versa. The stuff that comes out on the patch is a light grayish green - noticeably lighter than what came out with the free all. This is just one test; will need to repeat it a couple times.

FYI: The reason for using CLR instead of Boretech C4 is in testing CLR I've found some brown stuff [I assume unburnt powder] comes out on patches after brushing with it. The patches with C4 don't show any brown stuff. And, the bore seems to be a little lighter shade when using CLR vs Boretech. I'm not yet convinced that CLR cleans better than C4, but pretty sure it cleans at least as well.

 

[CharlieNC]

I just did that. Actually, used CLR to first wet patch out the loose carbon, then 20 strokes with a brass brush.
Dry patched till very little of anything was on the patch.
Observed the barrel with a borescope - yep, lots of carbon in the first 5 inches.

Then, bushed 20 strokes with free all and the same brass brush.
No question some dark stuff came out.
Dry patched till very little of anything was on the patch.
Observed the barrel with a borescope - VERY difficult to see any difference. The first inch or so might have been a quarter shade lighter.

I've done this same thing in the past with C4 first, then CLR and vice versa. The stuff that comes out on the patch is a light grayish green - noticeably lighter than what came out with the free all. This is just one test; will need to repeat it a couple times.

FYI: The reason for using CLR instead of Boretech C4 is in testing CLR I've found some brown stuff [I assume unburnt powder] comes out on patches after brushing with it. The patches with C4 don't show any brown stuff. And, the bore seems to be a little lighter shade when using CLR vs Boretech. I'm not yet convinced that CLR cleans better than C4, but pretty sure it cleans at least as well.

I have tried C4, CLR, etc you name it. For me nothing has come close to Free All for general cleaning plus getting out quite a bit of carbon with a wire brush. But in the end I still occasionally need a little Iosso to get the hard carbon, but not nearly as much since FA. Now I will probably stop experimenting with every new option that comes along!

 

[Mauser06]

After getting a bore scope I've learned that the only thing that'll remove hard carbon is mechanical action. Brushing or abrasives.


Most anything removes powder fouling that guys call carbon. Loose soft powder fouling and hard carbon are 2 different animals.



I'm to the point that every 100rds or so, I run a couple patches of abrasives through and get her back to clean. If I can get through a match, I'm happy. I can maintain that same level of clean. I can't maintain some level of fouled. Actually tried by brushing and chemicals opposes to abrasives and couldn't get through a match.


Every barrel is different. Every bullet/powder/primer/etc combo produces different levels of fouling. Learn what works for YOU.



Guys are afraid of abrasives.....I've asked this before. What is harder or more potentially damaging on a bore? A couple patches with an abrasive or endless strokes with brushes?

When I say a couple patches of abrasives, 2-4 patches of Iosso is all it takes for my current barrel. I run short strokes in the throat and then get longer and longer and out the muzzle. I do remove the loose fouling first with whatever I grab first. Sometimes I foam the bore for the ride hope. Sometimes Eliminator. Remove the loose fouling and some copper and then Iosso and then flush it out.

 

[urbanrifleman]

After getting a bore scope I've learned that the only thing that'll remove hard carbon is mechanical action. Brushing or abrasives.


Most anything removes powder fouling that guys call carbon. Loose soft powder fouling and hard carbon are 2 different animals.



I'm to the point that every 100rds or so, I run a couple patches of abrasives through and get her back to clean. If I can get through a match, I'm happy. I can maintain that same level of clean. I can't maintain some level of fouled. Actually tried by brushing and chemicals opposes to abrasives and couldn't get through a match.


Every barrel is different. Every bullet/powder/primer/etc combo produces different levels of fouling. Learn what works for YOU.



Guys are afraid of abrasives.....I've asked this before. What is harder or more potentially damaging on a bore? A couple patches with an abrasive or endless strokes with brushes?

When I say a couple patches of abrasives, 2-4 patches of Iosso is all it takes for my current barrel. I run short strokes in the throat and then get longer and longer and out the muzzle. I do remove the loose fouling first with whatever I grab first. Sometimes I foam the bore for the ride hope. Sometimes Eliminator. Remove the loose fouling and some copper and then Iosso and then flush it out.

I agree with patching abrasive is probably less harmful in the end than lots and lots of brushing (although brushing is harmless as far as I can tell). I'm starting to think that simply going to several patches of Flitz barrel cleaner saves a lot of time. Start with a wet patch of Boretech Eliminator and let it set for a few minutes then go right to the abrasive on a patch for say four patches of good scrubbing then flush with spray (either Slick stuff or Birchwood Casey gun scrubber). Patch until dry and be done with it.

None of the products I have tested hurts barrels.

Not getting the barrel cleaned is what does in a barrel.

This routine is very similar to the old Walt Berger Kroil and Jb paste every cleaning. But products have improved since.

 

[RRoe]

I get good results with Seafoam followed by a mixture of 60-40 Butch's and kroil with a stiff nylon brush

 

[Triple BB]

A good quality carb cleaner...

 

[Mauser06]

I agree with patching abrasive is probably less harmful in the end than lots and lots of brushing (although brushing is harmless as far as I can tell). I'm starting to think that simply going to several patches of Flitz barrel cleaner saves a lot of time. Start with a wet patch of Boretech Eliminator and let it set for a few minutes then go right to the abrasive on a patch for say four patches of good scrubbing then flush with spray (either Slick stuff or Birchwood Casey gun scrubber). Patch until dry and be done with it.

None of the products I have tested hurts barrels.

Not getting the barrel cleaned is what does in a barrel.

This routine is very similar to the old Walt Berger Kroil and Jb paste every cleaning. But products have improved since.

Sounds like we're using a real similar process...for real similar reasons.

I'm not saying brushing or abrasives or anything harms a barrel. But the more time you spend stroking a bore, the more chances there are to hurt something...and I rather load or shoot more than stroke the bore more.

 

[urbanrifleman]

Sounds like we're using a real similar process...for real similar reasons.

I'm not saying brushing or abrasives or anything harms a barrel. But the more time you spend stroking a bore, the more chances there are to hurt something...and I rather load or shoot more than stroke the bore more.

I would agree

 

[Dave M.]

I agree with patching abrasive is probably less harmful in the end than lots and lots of brushing (although brushing is harmless as far as I can tell). I'm starting to think that simply going to several patches of Flitz barrel cleaner saves a lot of time. Start with a wet patch of Boretech Eliminator and let it set for a few minutes then go right to the abrasive on a patch for say four patches of good scrubbing then flush with spray (either Slick stuff or Birchwood Casey gun scrubber). Patch until dry and be done with it.

None of the products I have tested hurts barrels.

Not getting the barrel cleaned is what does in a barrel.

This routine is very similar to the old Walt Berger Kroil and Jb paste every cleaning. But products have improved since.

Where can I find the process for the JB paste and kroil? I have both and would like to give it a try on a hard area about 3-4” past the throat. Also, there are a few different kinds of JB paste, which one is the correct one to use??
Dave

 

[newbieshooter]

Where can I find the process for the JB paste and kroil? I have both and would like to give it a try on a hard area about 3-4” past the throat. Also, there are a few different kinds of JB paste, which one is the correct one to use??
Dave

J B and Kroil Cleaning Method

I realize that everyone knows of the procedure, so please explain what the process is so I can do it properly.

forum.accurateshooter.com

https://forum.accurateshooter.com/attachments/speedy-bore-paste-pdf.1140370/

 

[J.d. Popkes]

Why not use witches brew? Is it not the same? Kroil and alumina oxide?

 

[AckleymanII]

Join the 21st Century, JB and Free All. Free All actually has an ingredient that attacks carbon.

Montana Extreme Copper Cream on Patches is fantastic, not quite as aggressive as Flitz Bore cleaner.

I have come to the conclusion that I am using brushes too long....50 strokes maybe where you get Maximum usage. Try using a caliper and measuring the dia every 15 strokes, be prepared for a shock. Bristles on the brushes have to have some "Spring" in them to create force. Once the "Spring" is gone in the brush, you are just getting exercise.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Join the 21st Century, JB and Free All. Free All actually has an ingredient that attacks carbon.

Montana Extreme Copper Cream on Patches is fantastic, not quite as aggressive as Flitz Bore cleaner.

I have come to the conclusion that I am using brushes too long....50 strokes maybe where you get Maximum usage. Try using a caliper and measuring the dia every 15 strokes, be prepared for a shock. Bristles on the brushes have to have some "Spring" in them to create force. Once the "Spring" is gone in the brush, you are just getting exercise.

Do you like pro-shot brushes? They seem pretty stiff , sure can’t reverse them in the barrel to start out with.

 

[AckleymanII]

Yes, just wish they sold them in bundles of 10 dozen...loose.

 

[CharlieNC]

First let me say most of my shooting is fclass and there are 80-150 shots before cleaning so the barrel can become loaded with carbon if you don't stay on top of it. In the last three months I have modified my cleaning routine thanks to this forum. I have chased the new best cleaning magic for a few years and have many wonder drugs which offered no improvement. Enter Free All. My routine now is once I get home the FA is sprayed into the barrel to soak overnight. Next day make about 30 strokes with a tight brass brush and patch out the crud. Wrap a patch around a worn brush, apply Iosso, and run 30 strokes. More FA with the tight brush and then final patching with a light solvent to push out crud for a clean barrel.

This takes only fifteen minutes vs over an hour using the old chemicals plus less mechanical abrasion. FA is the first and only difference maker I've experienced for chemical cleaning.

 

[dstoenner]

First let me say most of my shooting is fclass and there are 80-150 shots before cleaning so the barrel can become loaded with carbon if you don't stay on top of it. In the last three months I have modified my cleaning routine thanks to this forum. I have chased the new best cleaning magic for a few years and have many wonder drugs which offered no improvement. Enter Free All. My routine now is once I get home the FA is sprayed into the barrel to soak overnight. Next day make about 30 strokes with a tight brass brush and patch out the crud. Wrap a patch around a worn brush, apply Iosso, and run 30 strokes. More FA with the tight brush and then final patching with a light solvent to push out crud for a clean barrel.

This takes only fifteen minutes vs over an hour using the old chemicals plus less mechanical abrasion. FA is the first and only difference maker I've experienced for chemical cleaning.

I am the one that started that carbon thread and I tried everything suggested. When I got to Free All, it worked. I have been adjusting my cleaning regimen but have settled on:

1) Patch the barrel twice with Montana Extreme on the patch.

2) Put Montana Extreme in the barrel, let soak then patch. Repeat till all of the copper is out of the barrel.

3) Now spray Free All in barrel, brush with nylon brush and then let sit for a few hours or overnight.

4) now put on my bronze brush with JB Bore Paste and brush 10 full strokes.

Patch out crude and clean with Hoope's #9 to neutralize every thing.

I just got some IOSSO so my next cleaning will be replacing the JB Bore Paste with IOSSO paste.

My barrels now shoot like new and when I scope them after cleaning everything shines.

David

 

[K9TXS]

Free All?

Where do you get this stuff? I must be doing the search wrong. I'm not finding a product that is labeled Free All.

Can someone give me a link?