Rifle Cleaning Solvents and Concoctions

[dreever]

I've been running some tests lately to compare as many different commercially available cleaning solvents in an effort to find what works the best without killing the operator. Simple test was to lay out a row of one bullet of the same manufacturer for each chemical on paper towels, put a couple of drops of each chemical on the bullets and come back an hour later to see the results. Not scientific but works.

I didn't stop there, I got curious, because some of them smelled to high heaven. As an aside if you copy this experiment do it outside since the combination of vapors could be potentially dangerous. I also went so far as to acquire the MSDS sheets for those products, and to take all that to a chemist friend of my wifes for his opinion.

Well let me tell you boys and girls some of that stuff you can buy is downright nasty, if not out right dangerous. Once you start comparing the MSDS sheets and the HMIS ratings it's a real eye opener.

This is not to even mention some of the "Custom Mixes" guys use. If you're not a chemist and know what you're doing don't mix them, the consequences could be fatal.

There are some products out there that are pretty safe, environmentally friendly, non-carcinogenic, don't require any special skin or respiratory protection, clean up with soap and water, and clean copper with the best of them, or perhaps even better.

I know, now you want me to name a name that meets this criteria. OK, of all the products I tested the number one product is Pro Shot Copper Solvent IV. Best of the best.
Now before you start to scream "My Brother Jugs Copper Vaporizer cleans better than anything!" Get those MSDS sheets and compare them. It might literally save your hide.

Whatever you use, please be careful and check out those MSDS sheets. Manufactures have to give them to you if you ask for them.

Danny

 

[chuckw2]

Danny,
Thanks for the heads up. I have always been curious about how well the Pro-Shot copper remover worked. I have been worried about the strong fumes from some of the solvents I use enough to only use them outdoors when I am at the range.


Chuck

 

[Forum Boss]

This is why I personally use MPro-7 initially to remove soot and carbon, followed by Wipe-Out. MPro-7 is non-toxic and biodegradeable. Wipe-out has some non-so-healthy chemicals, but your exposure to them is minimized compared to wetting multiple patches and brushes with conventional solvents. Be very wary of the carb cleaner type solutions and always use in a ventilated area.

 

[Stysh]

Hi Danny

It looks like you've done some great research on a topic of importance to most shooters. Thank you for sharing your conclusions. May I ask if you plan on formally publishing the details of your work, especially your compilation of chemical ingredients and strengths for the various products and your observations of test results? If not,most publications might not want to touch this - you name names!), would you consider making a table of your results available to the public, for example, on this site? I think many shooters would find this information very useful.

Craig

 

[rangerruck]

there is a new cleaner out there, called gunslick, comes in a light blue bottle, that is very pleasant. it is a clear liquid,no stains) and it has a nice cedarwood smell to it. The foam cleaner is so good, that after i used it, the first time, when i started pulling dry patches through it, my barrel was squeaking, and i freaked out! i asked some people i new if something was wrong with my bbl.