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Abrasive Bore Cleaner Specifications

Prose

Silver $$ Contributor
Barrel cleaning is a function of risk management.

It would be easier to choose the least amount necessary if there was a ranking of abrasives backed by actual facts. If a person knew the composition of the abrasive as well as the grit, they may be able to make a more informed decision about cleaning the barrel. If you can add to this list, and include source so that it is a list of facts, that could help someone in the future. The info that I included came from Safety Data Sheets, manufacturer spec, and/or geology databases.

Name COMPOUND Grit (MOHS Hardness Scale)

Witches Brew
Iosso FOSSIL Based "Very Fine/round" (3-4 depending on type of fossil)
JB Bore Cleaning Compound ALMANDINE AND PYROPE GARNET. I've heard 800-1000? (7-7.5)
JB Bore Shine ALMANDINE AND PYROPE GARNET. I've heard 1200 grit? (7-7.5)
Bore Tech Chameleon Gel CALCITE and SILICA 1 Micron 8,000-14,000 grit (3/7)
3F Pumice (Brownells) AL Oxide (9) and AMORPHOUS SILICA (7) 600-800 Grit
3F Rottenstone (Brownells) LIMESTONE 4000 grit (3-4)
Rem 40X Bore Cleaner diatomaceous earth 800 Grit (7)
KG-2 ? 1200-1400 Grit

I'm sure there are more. Feel free to add. I will compile and verify the best I can. Please include sources. No talking about non-abrasive products or regimens on this thread :rolleyes:
 
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USP Bore Paste DIATOMACEOUS EARTH 800 Grit (7)

Same as Rem 40X but in paste instead of oil.
 
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Maybe a stupid question, but is it the higher the number, the finer or less abrasive a substance is? For instance, is 800 grit more abrasive than 1200 grit or do I have it all wrong?
 
Some of the AL oxides & silicates appear to be very aggressive and to be used with caution. Glass has a hardness of about 7 and I would guess that anything more than that would be sort of scratchy. The goal appears to be removal of copper and carbon fouling. JB removes fouling fast and the Montana brand bore polish is labeled as containing AL compounds and that works about the same. I like chemicals more but on occasion use bore polish.
 
I make my own with Bon Ami powdered cleanser and Hoppes #9. it is less abrasive than JB Borepaste i believe, but not sure how much. anyone have an idea? it is quite effective
 
swadiver said:
I make my own with Bon Ami powdered cleanser and Hoppes #9. it is less abrasive than JB Borepaste i believe, but not sure how much. anyone have an idea? it is quite effective
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Bon Ami is made of feldspar and limestone, which are in the 6 and 3 hardness. Based solely on my recollection of the powder, it is not superfine, probably 300-400 grit, but soft enough that it will break down quickly.
 
Prose said:
Bon Ami is made of feldspar and limestone, which are in the 6 and 3 hardness. Based solely on my recollection of the powder, it is not superfine, probably 300-400 grit, but soft enough that it will break down quickly.
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thanks. would you say that the Bon Ami based cleaner ends up being less abrasive than JB Bore Cleaning compound?
 
swadiver said:
thanks. would you say that the Bon Ami based cleaner ends up being less abrasive than JB Bore Cleaning compound?
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Tbh I’ve never used an abrasive, based solely on what I’ve found so far though the Bon Ami is not as hard but could be more course. Checking the bon ami website there is some soda and other reactive chemicals in it and I have no idea what that does when mixed with oils and solvents.
 
:confused:I feel relatively confident in saying that iosso is an abrasive.

Organic plants in an abrasive generally mean fossilized organic plants, otherwise known as limestone or other plant minerals in the 3-4 range of hardness on the MOHS scale.

My understanding is that iosso is not as aggressive as jb bore cleaner so that makes a little sense at least that it’s made of organic fossils instead of garnet like JB. Could be wrong that’s why I started this thread.
 
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Prose said:
:confused:I feel relatively confident in saying that iosso is an abrasive.

Organic plants in an abrasive generally mean fossilized organic plants, otherwise known as limestone or other plant minerals in the 3-4 range of hardness on the MOHS scale. Look at the SDS for iosso and it’s obvious that there are solids, they just claim it’s a trade secret to name them specifically. Any plant would have to be named to receive USDA certification.

Any organic plant, not fossilized, would decompose and become oil in very short order, especially if left in the heat. Never read a thread complaining of iosso being oily. My understanding is that iosso is not as aggressive as jb bore cleaner so that makes a little sense at least that it’s made of organic fossils of seaweed instead of garnet like JB. Could be wrong that’s why I started this thread.
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If you let iosso sit a while it has an orangey looking oil at the front of the tube. Feels just like oil
 
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