question about cleaning a barrel from the breech/muzzle

[volosong]

It has been said, almost always, to clean the barrel of a firearm from the breech instead of the muzzle. However, I have never heard why. What are the negative connotations of cleaning a barrel from the muzzle?

For those firearms where one cannot put a rod down the breech end of a barrel, what did people use or do before bore snakes were invented?

Thank you.

[SkyHawk]

You are less likely to damage the barrel crown or wear it unevenly if you don't clean from the muzzle end. Also that is the way the bullet travels.

[Fishslayer]

It's not hard to clean a .38 & up from the muzzle without damaging the crown if you're careful. Make sure to use soft brass or aluminum ( or carbon $$$ ) rods.

With revolvers you really don't have much choice.

EDIT: Before the boresnake fanboiz pounce, no... I'm not the only person on the planet who's never heard of a boresnake. I just don't care for 'em.

[volosong]

Thanks guys. Sometimes, I don't have a choice, such as with the revolvers. I'll be careful at those times, and be sure my brushes are brass.

[ABR]

You are less likely to damage the barrel crown or wear it unevenly if you don't clean from the muzzle end. Also that is the way the bullet travels.

This is correct.
Honestly tho, I haven't used any brushes for years shooting factory ball and JHP. Patches only.

[MrOrange]

If cleaning from the muzzle bothers you, there are coated cleaning rods out there to prevent any metal-to-metal contact.

Personally, in the absence of gross mistreatment, I don't think it makes any difference, even if it does theoretically cause a minuscule amount of wear, unless you're talking about some ultra-precision bench rest rifle.