Colloidal graphite in pistol barrels?

[mousegunner]

So I'm cleaning my 1911 .45 barrel after shooting hard cast lead bullets and I'm wondering if running some graphite through it after I clean it will make it easier to clean next time around. I'm thinking of going to coated bullets but if I don't will I see any difference cleaning wise and otherwise after a colloidal graphite treatment?

I have Sinclair dry neck lube powder and was going to suspend some in alcohol to use on a swab but just curious about any pros and cons on using graphite. Thanks for looking.

 

[1911nut]

I dunno about the graphite thing. I'd clean with a good solvent and bronze brush, if there’s still lead, probably will be, use this:

 

[mousegunner]

I don't have any real trouble cleaning it, it's more a curiosity thing nothing more.

 

[Tommie]

I can’t picture a scenario where colloidal graphite could cause any problems.

 

[1shot]

I've been using it in my rifle bbls. since 2008 and have had no adverse problems, so I would say you are good to go.

Lloyf

 

[dantiff2]

Switch over to powder coating your cast bullets! No more smoke and lubes and there is zero, I mean zero leading. I shoot them out of 45, 9mm, 380's and 450BM. Now, PCing is part of the process and adds to the fun on loading your own. I normally stack about 350 on a try at a time and bake @400° for 20 mins. I use Powder By The Pound's powder exclusively and love the results. Keep in mind. the lighter colors tend to leave some clear spots where the bullets is still in a coating it's just not covered by the pigment. Darker colors get 100% covers where as your light blues and greens get 98% or better.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Saw where some folks were swabbing 22 rim fire barrels with Lock Ease so I see no reason it wouldn't work on your barrel.

 

[dantiff2]

Lok Ez is a big hit at my local club with a ton of the older benchrest folks to keep the first shot lubed on a freshly cleaned barrel. I've done it just because but never noticed any difference. Still took two or three fouler shots with or without. I still do it because a bottle of that stuff last a LONG time!

 

[mousegunner]

My next questions, does it build up, attract moisture, hard to remove? So far I've heard no cons against it.

 

[Ron IA]

gas checks all of my lead cast bullets that shoot with any speed have gas checks
and or a Lewis lead remover

 

[dantiff2]

Lead is a fickle pickle. There are pros and cons. I can't see any way that the graphite will stick around long enough after the first couple of shots to help in any reasonable manner. Powder coat, gas checks or plated are some of the ways to prevent it but if you have build up you'll have to use the chemical or manual method to remove it. I always used long strands of copper chore boys scrubber pad wrapped around a used bronze bore brush and worked it end to end until the buildup was gone. Now that I powder coat there is no need for that any more. I shoot PCed cast boolits up to 1900 fps with no leading at all. Never pushed them any faster. I shoot several hundred in a single range session and the bores clean easily.
Dan

 

[Bill K]

Lock ease is the liquid graphite, and it will not hurt, one bit. It is good to do this with all your firearm barrels, as the last step in cleaning.

So I'm cleaning my 1911 .45 barrel after shooting hard cast lead bullets and I'm wondering if running some graphite through it after I clean it will make it easier to clean next time around. I'm thinking of going to coated bullets but if I don't will I see any difference cleaning wise and otherwise after a colloidal graphite treatment?

I have Sinclair dry neck lube powder and was going to suspend some in alcohol to use on a swab but just curious about any pros and cons on using graphite. Thanks for looking.

 

[SEM]

I dunno about the graphite thing. I'd clean with a good solvent and bronze brush, if there’s still lead, probably will be, use this:

View attachment 1304897

does work well, but the smell wont go away