Cleaning Rod Abrasion

[LongRanger]

There is a discussion over on benchrest.com about barrel abrasion caused by graphite cleaning rods.

I haven't used mine in a couple of years. I felt they were inherently abrasive and ran a test. Using the end of the rod nearest the handle I used the rod in a saw-like fashion, rubbing it with some pressure across a piece of tool steel. After just 10 such strokes about 8" in length I saw a small groove being worn into the steel, along with some graphite dust.

Those who have a graphite rod might want to take care to avoid letting the rod drop onto the bore when the cleaning patch exits the muzzle. The effect may be minimal, but after a number of cleaning sessions......? Certainly not the prescription for my target rifles.

Frank B.

 

[LHSmith]

After reading your post, I took a barrel stub and a piece of CF arrow shaft, and your experience is exactly what I observed.

 

[johara1]

This is true along with dirty coated rods, Most that clean with a sawing wood action and never wipe the rod off after coming out of the bore. I now use only a clean SS Ivy rod with a powerful cleaner called Warthog1134. This lessens the times a rod is in the bore. I never stroke it back and forth,just in and out the muzzle ,same with a brush unscrew it at the muzzle. A good well fit bore guide is a must, 4 wet patches 3 passes with a brush and then 3 wet ones wiping the rod every time and let it set a few minutes and a dry one and if the patch is clean i then use a 50/50 mix of Kroil and Hoppies and i do at this point pull it back slowly if it sticks a little more than usual i will use Iosso in it. I will clean the the carbon from the end of the chamber and clean it and the lug imbuttments …….. jim O'Hara

 

[Raythemanroe]

I use a coated rod and wipe my rod.. I try to let the solvent do most of the work..


Thanks for the heads up on the Graphite rods..


Ray

 

[Syncrowave]

Thanks for the heads up on the Graphite rods.

x10

I never thought those graphite rods could abrade steel in a million years.

Sounds like Tipton needs a new sales pitch ... at least uncoated stainless steel isn't actually abrasive!

 

[artbosco]

Dewey Rods, wiped clean with a paper towel, Each time a complete [in and out] pass is made, have served me well for many years.