I recently had a friend ask me what brand of cleaning rod I use. When I answered Bore Tech he replied "I read where the coating comes off, I wouldn't use one of those." Well that prompted me to write this reply to all those under the same misguided impression.
I've been using the same 6MM, 40 inch Bore Tech Bore Stix cleaning rod for the past seven years, and the coating is as good as the day I bought it! Why's that? Did I just get a good one? Well here's my opinion on the subject.
First and foremost you need a good proper fitting bore guide. Not just proper fitting to the action and chamber, but also proper fitting to your rods diameter as well. While the Sinclair type fits the action and chamber well the internal diameter allows the rod to bend and flex too much. Combine that with a real tight patch and that bending and flexing of the rod allows it to rub against those sharp edges going into the chamber and this in turn will peel the coating just like peeling an apple. It only takes one time. I personally like the Lucas bore guide, Mike Lucas custom fits the guide to your action, chamber, and to your cleaning rod, eliminating any play that would allow your rod to rattle it's way into the bore. You can order one from Mike direct, or through James Phillips at the Reloaders Nest. They aren't that much more expensive, and are well worth the investment.
Also a too long rod exiting the muzzle on the back stroke can ride against the crown doing the same thing. If your smith cut a proper crown, it is as sharp as a razor. Don't believe me? Look at it thru a magnifying glass. I simply use some white medical tape on the rod to limit how much rod exits the bore. Just enough of the jag to remove the patch insures that the rod stays centered in the bore and dosen't touch that delicate crown.
Sometimes the chemical concoctions mixed up by shooters will, or can eat the coating of of rods, and harm the bore as well. All of the commercial cleaning solvents are relatively safe by themselves, it's when shooters start mixing brand X with brand Y and then throwing in a squirt of brand Z for good measure that a potentially dangerous and sometimes lethal situation can result, not only to the bore but to the shooter as well. Don't think those fumes can kill you? Just mix the wrong combination and it won't take a period of time to do the job on your respiratory system, that first time can be enough to send you on your way to the pearly gates. Remember chemical warfare, it got it's start by mixing a couple of safe chemicals together, so be forewarned. So, if you aren't a chemist you'd better leave well enough alone.
While I'm on that subject, just how many shooters go to the bother of asking for the M.S.D.S. sheets for the solvents their using? I do, but I'm in the minority. Just get one for your favorite chemical and read it, you'll be surprised just how dangerous and carcinogenic your favorite cleaning agent can be.
So back to the original reason for this thread. It dosen't matter what coated cleaning rod you use, if you use it improperly that coating won't last long, and you have no one to blame but yourself.
I'll stick with my Bore Tech rods, they have served me well.
Danny
I've been using the same 6MM, 40 inch Bore Tech Bore Stix cleaning rod for the past seven years, and the coating is as good as the day I bought it! Why's that? Did I just get a good one? Well here's my opinion on the subject.
First and foremost you need a good proper fitting bore guide. Not just proper fitting to the action and chamber, but also proper fitting to your rods diameter as well. While the Sinclair type fits the action and chamber well the internal diameter allows the rod to bend and flex too much. Combine that with a real tight patch and that bending and flexing of the rod allows it to rub against those sharp edges going into the chamber and this in turn will peel the coating just like peeling an apple. It only takes one time. I personally like the Lucas bore guide, Mike Lucas custom fits the guide to your action, chamber, and to your cleaning rod, eliminating any play that would allow your rod to rattle it's way into the bore. You can order one from Mike direct, or through James Phillips at the Reloaders Nest. They aren't that much more expensive, and are well worth the investment.
Also a too long rod exiting the muzzle on the back stroke can ride against the crown doing the same thing. If your smith cut a proper crown, it is as sharp as a razor. Don't believe me? Look at it thru a magnifying glass. I simply use some white medical tape on the rod to limit how much rod exits the bore. Just enough of the jag to remove the patch insures that the rod stays centered in the bore and dosen't touch that delicate crown.
Sometimes the chemical concoctions mixed up by shooters will, or can eat the coating of of rods, and harm the bore as well. All of the commercial cleaning solvents are relatively safe by themselves, it's when shooters start mixing brand X with brand Y and then throwing in a squirt of brand Z for good measure that a potentially dangerous and sometimes lethal situation can result, not only to the bore but to the shooter as well. Don't think those fumes can kill you? Just mix the wrong combination and it won't take a period of time to do the job on your respiratory system, that first time can be enough to send you on your way to the pearly gates. Remember chemical warfare, it got it's start by mixing a couple of safe chemicals together, so be forewarned. So, if you aren't a chemist you'd better leave well enough alone.
While I'm on that subject, just how many shooters go to the bother of asking for the M.S.D.S. sheets for the solvents their using? I do, but I'm in the minority. Just get one for your favorite chemical and read it, you'll be surprised just how dangerous and carcinogenic your favorite cleaning agent can be.
So back to the original reason for this thread. It dosen't matter what coated cleaning rod you use, if you use it improperly that coating won't last long, and you have no one to blame but yourself.
I'll stick with my Bore Tech rods, they have served me well.
Danny
