ammonia ?

[StraightPipes]

Over many years, I have read the horror stories of ammonia based bore cleaning solvents. Some suppliers state that the ammonia in their solvent "will not" harm a rifle barrel. Based on the % of the content, will it harm the bore of a rifle barrel or not? I have read where "one" barrel maker left ammonia in a barrel for 1 year without any ill affects.

The bore cleaning solvent industry has become so diverse that they should trade on Wall Street! For me, If I want to strip copper I use CR-10. It works fast and it gets all the copper out of my bore. Done deal! Yes it gets well removed, neutralized with a conditioner before it gets back in the rack.

Now, will ammonia harm our prize bores or not? Maybe you say? Depends on how you use it? Or just maybe if you use it as directed its the fastest, most affective copper stripper in the industry?

 

[Mikem]

I have three brand of copper remover that use ammonia, and they all work well, Montana Extreme seams to be the strongest, but non have hurt my barrels, however when I use it the first time, my dog took off and wouldn't come back in the room for months.
I tried the stiff in a spray can, and it didn't seam to remove any copper, like it said it would. So I tried some 7.62 and out came the blue patches.
I think Ill stick with 7.62, Montana Extreme or CR-10, I have them all, and they all use ammonia, and get the job done.
Just remember to neutralize it after words, and you will be fine, and copper free. I neutralize with good old Hoppes #9 first, then several patches, then Lacquer thinner and a few more patches, and last a little light gun oil. And be sure to wipe off the crown. JMO.
Mike.

 

[LHSmith]

After reading countless studies and anecdotes on the subject, I believe that ammonia itself won't harm barrel steel....until it is introduced to the carbon, copper, and other by-products of combustion created in the firing of metallic cartridges.

It is the interaction of these components that form compounds that are corrosive to steel.

Moral of story: Leave your solvent in the bore ONLY long enough to do it's job.....then remove it quickly, completely, and coat the bore with a light coat of suitable oil, or preservative immediately after.

 

[Gearheadpyro]

That's what I've heard to LHSMITH, it's the salts that get formed in the barrel that are problematic.

Personally I use Boretech Eliminator. No ammonia, No smell, shiny clean bore.