Leading problem

[krauhs2505]

I have a couple of 22's and have shot them with inexpensive (cheap) ammo.
Both are semi-auto. Ruger MKll and 10/22. The ammo in question is Remington's Thunderbolt. I have found in both firearms a lead sleeve. Meaning
the bore has become so leaded that it has a leaded area about an inch long and a tiny bore thru the center. Both are guns have been cleaned after each
use. So the build up is caused during the shooting session. Guessing about
hundred or one hundred fifty rounds. My guess is that if I continue to use this
ammo I will have to clean and inspect the bore after shooting only a small number of rounds. What do you think? I am only paper punchin. Sure is a lot of work cleaning the barrels free of the lead. Mark.

[compulsivegunbuyer]

A quick google search an you will find that many people have the same problem with Remington Thunderbolt. That ammo is junk.

[Izzy43]

Firearms, optics, ammo, you get what you pay for. Buy a better bulk ammo like Federal AutoMatch, Blazer, American Eagle, Federal Champion. Try some and see which does not have this problem and is accurate in your firearms.

[Mail Clerk]

I have a couple of 22's and have shot them with inexpensive (cheap) ammo.
Both are semi-auto. Ruger MKll and 10/22. The ammo in question is Remington's Thunderbolt. I have found in both firearms a lead sleeve. Meaning
the bore has become so leaded that it has a leaded area about an inch long and a tiny bore thru the center. Both are guns have been cleaned after each
use. So the build up is caused during the shooting session. Guessing about
hundred or one hundred fifty rounds. My guess is that if I continue to use this
ammo I will have to clean and inspect the bore after shooting only a small number of rounds. What do you think? I am only paper punchin. Sure is a lot of work cleaning the barrels free of the lead. Mark.

Krauhs2505,

Clean and check the bore to see if the bore in that area is frosted. Using what you described I very surprised your building up so much lead in that area your pistol and rifle. I would definitely stop shooting both and re-exam the bores respectfully. Except for pistols a twenty two rifle doesn't need cleaning very much...perhaps only about twice per year cuz the crown of the barrel determines accuracy and not the rifleing. Only real area of concern is the chamber. As far as ammo is concerned I never had any issues using Remington Thunderbolt. It's basically the same as the Golden Bullet except for the copper coating has been removed in place of a wax coating for economy reasons.

Since both rifle and pistol are from Ruger I'm surprised your having the same issue in both!!! Are you sure it's lead build-up causing the bore to close so much?? OR is it the fouling from the ignition of the cartridge building up???

Your Ruger rifle can be repaired yourself by replacing it. All you need is a se hex wrenche of the proper size and a little blue loc-tite. Your barrel might be defective in which case replacing is necessary.

Good luck as I hope everything works out for you

Mail Clerk

[sholling]

Since both rifle and pistol are from Ruger I'm surprised your having the same issue in both!!! Are you sure it's lead build-up causing the bore to close so much?? OR is it the fouling from the ignition of the cartridge building up???

^This^ Are you sure it's a lead buildup? Because 22ls usually aren't moving fast enough to cause much leading and most can go literally thousands of rounds between cleaning. Could it be wax or lube from the bullets or just powder? I'd clean it one more time and try different ammo and if you're still convinced it's a massive lead buildup I'd contact Ruger.

[krauhs2505]

Thanks for the replies. I am sure it's lead,because of the large sample that came out. I will try a better quality ammo and see the results. Having these firearms for many years and shooting all varities of ammo this came to be a surprise to me. Thank you again, Mark.

[Mail Clerk]

Thanks for the replies. I am sure it's lead,because of the large sample that came out. I will try a better quality ammo and see the results. Having these firearms for many years and shooting all varities of ammo this came to be a surprise to me. Thank you again, Mark.

Krauhs2505,

I admit there could be a small amount of lead build-up just in front of the chamber where the bullet actually makes contact with the riflingbut still what you describe is wierd to say the least. What I'd do is take your rifle and pistol to a gunsmith and ask him what he thinks. Otherwise for your rifle I'd consider replacing the barrel and have Ruger look at your pistol for service. Good for you there are many custon parts you can get for the Ruger rifle that you can replace youself without any hassle. Again the Remington Thunderbolt is not bad ammo unless you got a really bad lot. Take that to the smith too or e-mail Remington with the lot number and see if they'll replace the brick for you free. You can also consult the rimfirecentral.com folks to get much better informed opinions. I use them frequently myself.

Mail Clerk

[Wrangler John]

1. Clean the barrel using this product: http://www.boretech.com/products/rimfireblend.shtml Use only nylon,
NOT bronze or brass brushes, bronze brushes can foul the barrel with metallic particles and copper fouling that start the process over Most solvents will attack bronze brushes and leave a film of copper in the bore. Same with cleaning rods with brass ferrules and brass patch jags. Bore Tech makes Proof Positive nylon brushes and jags.

2. Run dry patches through the bore until they come out clean. Then wet 3 or 4 patches with rubbing alcohol and push them through the bore, then dry the bore with clean patches.

3. Lube the bore. Do not shoot a dry bore, it will lead even easier when dry. This also includes handguns and centerfire rifles. Here are links to some bore lubes:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/435941/lyman-super-moly-bore-conditioner-cream-3-oz

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/412198/lyman-super-moly-spray-lube-4-oz-aerosol

http://www.hollandguns.com/ click on the MAINTENANCE link and scroll down to Witches Brew Break-in Fluid - 2 oz.

http://www.amazon.com/American-Greas.../dp/B000GKW2NM Wet a patch and push through bore, allow to dry.

Even a moly wheel bearing grease can be used, lightly load a patch and stroke it back and forth through a CLEAN bore, followed by a clean dry patch.

Avoid using bare lead high speed ammo until things season in a bit. If all this doesn't work, then the barrels need attention, either lapping or replacement.