Author Topic: Copper fouling removal (Read 1538 times)

BeanMan · « **on:** November 13, 2005, 05:48:21 AM »

I just shot 30 rounds of 165g Trophy bonded bearclaws through my 3006. I cleaned the heck out of it last night but still can see copper in the grooves near the muzzle. I started with hoppes #9. Next I went to Butch's bore cleaner that is supposed to remove copper. After a session with that I still had lots of copper so I tried the Barnes copper CR-10, still there.
I've never shot bullets with a copper base before, I guess that is where the copper is coming from.

They grouped well enough for hunting and 4th Elk starts Wednesday so I am committed for this year.

Any Suggestions?

BeanMan

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** November 13, 2005, 06:14:57 AM »

Try Wipeout or Outers/Gunslick(Milfoam) foaming bore cleaner, they work better than any other bore cleaner I've used including Hoppe's 9 and BR, which I've been using since I can remember. Apply the foam, leave it in for a few hours or overnight. Wipe it out with patches. Foam it again and let it sit for a while and wipe and out again, if there's no blue, finish up. Repeat the overnight as needed for badly fouled bores. The Outers is available at Walmart, Wipeout is harder to find, but they both work and won't harm the bore, but be careful with em on stock finishes or other surfaces.

http://www.sharpshootr.com/wipeout.htm

http://www.border-barrels.com/shoot-in.htm

http://www.milfoam.fi/flash/index.html

http://graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=19500&sid=fcf15bd941a6286f5f454d989c659df8

http://graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=57990&highlight=wipeout&sid=98b3645dd91ca2ea777bc43e89b8daaa

lilabner · « **Reply #2 on:** November 13, 2005, 06:57:10 AM »

CR-10 and Sweet's are strong copper removers. You didn't mention if the rifle was new or one you've shot a lot. I used CR-10 on an old 30-06 that had never been cleaned with a solvent other than Hoppe's #9 because groups were opening up. I followed the CR-10 directions to the letter, removing powder fouling first with the Hoppe's, than going through the swab, brush, swab routine with the CR-10. There was a heavy accumulation of copper and I had to repeat the process several times before patches came out white. (be sure you use a nylon brush for this) Groups got back to where they should be and I'm using the CR-10 routinely. When I finally got the accumulation out, it only takes one treatment to remove the copper. In my case, copper didn't hurt accuracy for a long time because the 30-06 was used for hunting only and there were only a few rounds fired through it each year. I've been told that many rifles that are sold because they have lost accuracy can be made good as new by removing the copper deposits.

MickinColo · « **Reply #3 on:** November 13, 2005, 07:32:55 AM »

As much as I hate using it, it sounds like you need to work the bore with Sweets 7.62 solvent. Its nasty stuff but I havent found anything that works better as far as solvents go. I also have an Outers electronic fowling remover that works pretty good but that system has its drawbacks and hassles too.

Once you do get that copper out of there I would work the bore a couple of times with J B Bore Paste to smooth the throat up a little and get rid of some of the copper color left behind.

Ive tried a lot of different solvents over the years and pretty much stay away from Hoppes products anymore. Not that they dont work but because Ive found things that work better. At this time in my life I use Shooters Choice for general cleaning, Shooters Choice Copper Remover for copper fowling and Sweets as the nuclear option.

Yukon Jack · « **Reply #4 on:** November 13, 2005, 07:46:36 AM »

In my experience, if you don't mind waiting a day or even two to allow Wipe-Out to soak it will work fine. If you want to clean the rifle in a few hours with a lot of elbow grease, use Sweet's 7.62. Do not leave Sweets in the barrel for more than 10 or 15 minutes at a time though, it will damage the bore as it oxidizes.

jro45 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 13, 2005, 08:30:54 AM »

The best I've found is Shooter's Choise, copper remover. It takes a lot of elbo grease to get all the copper out

quickdtoo · « **Reply #6 on:** November 13, 2005, 08:42:28 AM »

That's the beauty of the foaming bore cleaners, NO elbow grease is needed, no brushing at all, just put it in the bore and leave it overnight, wipe it out the next day with a couple patches, follow up with your normal protectant. :wink:

Patriot_1776 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 13, 2005, 09:12:28 AM »

From some things I've read and experienced, a little amount of copper fouling is not a bad thing. Brand new barrels from a manufacturer are sometimes stated they come "clean" from the factory. With a "break in", unlike what some may think that is, the barrel is seasoned with use. The "break in" I frequently notice is when the gun starts shooting tighter as I put rounds through it, not by how clean the barrel is inside. I have a Savage 308, and even though I see some copper streaks, and I do use CR-10, it is still capable of puttin' 5 shots into the same hole at 100 yds. So in all my experience, a little bit of copper is not a bad thing. My 2 cents.

-Patriot

Slamfire · « **Reply #8 on:** November 13, 2005, 09:47:43 AM »

I use an Outer's Foul Out II. The toughest part of usin' it is usin' steel wool to get the copper off the steel rod, it electoplates the copper on.

SuperstitionCoues · « **Reply #9 on:** November 13, 2005, 11:02:14 AM »

I have a .25-06 that is a habitual fouler.

While I haven't tried the Gunslick or Wipe-Out, my proven route of removal has been Shooter's Choice, with CR-10 , and if it's really stubborn stuff then I break out the JB Bore Paste. That will take care of anything. FYI - Sierra Bullets recommends using Remington Bore Cleaner, a liquified version of the product. If you can't find any of these two, then try Break Free Bore Paste.

The longer I do this, the more I like the JB's. I am getting more and more picky about the type and amount of chemicals that I use, and JB's or Break Free Bore Paste are both pretty innocuous. One more thing - use a bore guide. It will take away some of your worries.

Zeke Menuar · « **Reply #10 on:** November 13, 2005, 12:30:34 PM »

JB's is a good choice on new barrels. I use it to polish new bores. Helps remove anything left in the barrel from the factory. Smoothing out the barrel gives copper racing stripes less to stick to.

ZM

nyhunter863 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 14, 2005, 02:42:20 AM »

I just tried this new Blue Wonder gun cleaner and was very impressed. It seems to work pretty well by just applying some on a brush and working it back and forth a few times. You add more to the brush if more is needed. Very simple without much elbow grease at all. It is supposed to work well on rust spots also without damaging any bluing.

jro45 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 14, 2005, 03:12:50 AM »

Like what was already said 'A little copper isn't bad'. I leave a little copper in my barrels and have found that the first shot is on target with my rifles.
And when I'm done shooting I clean almost all the copper out. Ready for the next time.

BeanMan · « **Reply #13 on:** November 16, 2005, 02:41:25 PM »

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I got all of the copper out last Sunday night and it shot a lot better.

I shot a 6 x 5 bull elk with it this morning using a 165 grain Trophy bonded bearclaw Federal High Energy load (3006). It broke one shoulder and passed through the other side, the exit hole was about the same size as the entrance but the bull died quickly.

Thanks,

Beanman

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 16, 2005, 04:38:06 PM »

Quote from: BeanMan

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I got all of the copper out last Sunday night and it shot a lot better.

I shot a 6 x 5 bull elk with it this morning using a 165 grain Trophy bonded bearclaw Federal High Energy load (3006). It broke one shoulder and passed through the other side, the exit hole was about the same size as the entrance but the bull died quickly.

Thanks,

Beanman

Congrats on the Bull.

jro45 · « **Reply #15 on:** November 17, 2005, 02:58:00 AM »

Quote from: BeanMan

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I got all of the copper out last Sunday night and it shot a lot better.

I shot a 6 x 5 bull elk with it this morning using a 165 grain Trophy bonded bearclaw Federal High Energy load (3006). It broke one shoulder and passed through the other side, the exit hole was about the same size as the entrance but the bull died quickly.

Thanks,

Beanman

Thats great!

cal sibley · « **Reply #16 on:** November 18, 2005, 03:59:13 PM »

If you're removing copper with Sweets or Barnes CR10 you're probably using nylon brushes since the ammonia will eat the bronze bristle ones. Most of the nylon brushes aren't stiff enogh to really do a good job. However, the ones sold by Sinclair Int'l are very stiff and seem to be much better than the others. Just one mans opinion. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal