Cleaning patch sizes?
- Thread starter TrxR
- Start date
I suggest you try different combinations. I may use round our square, larger or smaller, all depends on what a particular barrel wants from a fit perspective. With that, I also don't stick to caliber specific jags (sometimes I run a caliber down, e.g, 243 in a 264) with a larger patch, and different jags from different manufactures for the same caliber are frequently different diameters - enough to make a patch too tight or too loose.
Proper fit will depend on the jag used and brand of patches so you have to do some experimenting.
If you find a patch you like, adjusting an over size jag is quite easy. Chuck the jag in a drill*, mount the drill level in a vice then use some very fine grit emery cloth and grind the jag down a .001" at a time until you get the desired fit.
*using an old piece of cleaning rod to mount the jag into and placing it in the chuck will prevent damage to the jag's threads.
If the jag is under size, select the next size patch and try it.
For many many years I used the Hoppe's synthetic patches which worked great for me. I was able to buy them economically in bulk from Midway. I liked these patches since they did not shred into threads when push through the bore on a jag. They weren't the most absorbent but they were good enough. Then about a year ago Hoppe's changed the fabric to a weave material which comes apart when mounted on a jag and pushed through the bore. They were so bad I tossed the entire bag away - unusable for me. The last thing I wanted was to have to go on a search for a replacement but it became necessary.
Searching for an alternative I tried may different brands with results similar of the "new" Hoppe's patches. Then I purchased some No. 40 weight interface material at Jo Ann fabrics and made some patches custom cut to size. While tedious, it yielded an adequate replacement for the "old" Hoppe's patches.
But I shoot to much thus clean a lot for this to be a practical solution. Searching for a less tedious option, one of the members of this web site suggested Pro Shot patches. I tried them and found them to be adequate. They are quite absorbent and do not shred at much as others I've tried. Depending on the jag you use, some adjustment in either jag diameter or patch selection for a specific caliber may be required.
If you find a patch you like, adjusting an over size jag is quite easy. Chuck the jag in a drill*, mount the drill level in a vice then use some very fine grit emery cloth and grind the jag down a .001" at a time until you get the desired fit.
*using an old piece of cleaning rod to mount the jag into and placing it in the chuck will prevent damage to the jag's threads.
If the jag is under size, select the next size patch and try it.
For many many years I used the Hoppe's synthetic patches which worked great for me. I was able to buy them economically in bulk from Midway. I liked these patches since they did not shred into threads when push through the bore on a jag. They weren't the most absorbent but they were good enough. Then about a year ago Hoppe's changed the fabric to a weave material which comes apart when mounted on a jag and pushed through the bore. They were so bad I tossed the entire bag away - unusable for me. The last thing I wanted was to have to go on a search for a replacement but it became necessary.
Searching for an alternative I tried may different brands with results similar of the "new" Hoppe's patches. Then I purchased some No. 40 weight interface material at Jo Ann fabrics and made some patches custom cut to size. While tedious, it yielded an adequate replacement for the "old" Hoppe's patches.
But I shoot to much thus clean a lot for this to be a practical solution. Searching for a less tedious option, one of the members of this web site suggested Pro Shot patches. I tried them and found them to be adequate. They are quite absorbent and do not shred at much as others I've tried. Depending on the jag you use, some adjustment in either jag diameter or patch selection for a specific caliber may be required.
Good place for reference on patches is Brownells/Sinclair
Ben
Dusty Stevens
Shiner
pro shot patches in every size, pierce style jag in a caliber down. adjust the stab location to get the tightness you want according to what youre doing. for a 30 cal I use a 2" round on a 270 jag. for 22rf I use a 7/8" square on a .187 jag.
I used to just use an old cotton tshirt & a slightly worn 22 lr brush for rifles (for the last30 years)Cut 2" long strips at various widths depending on bore diameter. Then, a few monthes ago, I finally caved & bought the Deluxe Otis cleaning kit, 1000 3" & 1000 2" round patches. Ive been VERY pleased with it both in simplicity & effectiveness. Staying with otis for the foreseeable future
garandman
Bolt Gun Bodacious
For 22rf... 1" round Pro-shot cotton round doubled up with a Tipton carbon fiber 20 caliber rod / jag. Nice tight wad w/o needing to use so much force as to bend the rod.
Also ... BoreTech C4 carbon remover gets the bore *clean* ... followed by a light coat of lube.
Also... I run 2 or more loose wet patches through a rim fire bore 1st to clean out the priming compound which has been described as sharp rocks or glass shards..
Also ... BoreTech C4 carbon remover gets the bore *clean* ... followed by a light coat of lube.
Also... I run 2 or more loose wet patches through a rim fire bore 1st to clean out the priming compound which has been described as sharp rocks or glass shards..
Last edited:
hogpatrol
Gold $$ Contributor
Everyone has their favorites. I prefer and use the Boresmith triangle patches.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=boresmith&ref=nb_sb_noss&tag=accuratescom-20
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=boresmith&ref=nb_sb_noss&tag=accuratescom-20
JSH
Gold $$ Contributor
For those thinking cutting patches is a chore here is what you use.
https://www.joann.com/fiskars-rotary-cutters-45mm/1993575.html
If your only shooting a couple of calibers, fine buy them. I shoot from .17-.50 and everything in between along with various shotguns.
The rolling cutter will cut through about 4 thickness of flannel. Not a fan of T-shirt material. 100% cotton flannel.
So ya know I was a fan of pro shot patches, then had a hard time finding them.
https://www.joann.com/fiskars-rotary-cutters-45mm/1993575.html
If your only shooting a couple of calibers, fine buy them. I shoot from .17-.50 and everything in between along with various shotguns.
The rolling cutter will cut through about 4 thickness of flannel. Not a fan of T-shirt material. 100% cotton flannel.
So ya know I was a fan of pro shot patches, then had a hard time finding them.
Medic505
Gold $$ Contributor
Yes sir! They are just the right size, soft and hold cleaning fluids well.
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