Best way to remove lead

[sammy]

What is the best way to remove lead from a barrel? I have seen chore boy copper mesh used but this looks a bit agressive. I also heard you don't use any solvent and that it actually makes removal harder. HELP

[Wyatt]

I've used this product with sucess for lead fouling but I think Hoppes does just fine if used properly.

[NRAhighpowershooter]

copper is a LOT softer than barrel steel.... I wouldn't be afraid of using it.. now a stainless steel scrubber.. that is where I would draw the line.

[CSACANNONEER]

copper is a LOT softer than barrel steel.... I wouldn't be afraid of using it.. now a stainless steel scrubber.. that is where I would draw the line.

I used to think this way until I learned (and watched) several FCSA world record holders and world champion winners using ss brushes for every cleaning! I've even watched the person who currently holds 9 out of 16 FCSA records short stroke a ss brush just to show me that he fels that it doesn't make a difference. Now, I use SS brushes on my expensive guns without any worries.

[DesertGunner]

Best way to get rid of lead?

Pull the trigger!

[hawk1]

If you watched them use SS without a problem then what makes you think the Chore-Boy product is bad? Copper is softer than stainless steel...
Anyhow, chore-boy works great in my .45's to remove the lead.

[saki302]

Brownells sells a lead cleaning system that uses brass mesh patches- I heard it works pretty well.
I can't remember the mfr. though. (Bang- brain fart!! It may well be called chore-boy, but I don't remember- it was a full kit)

If a revolver barrel is leaded badly enough, only an SS brush or dedicated cleaning system will remove it. Which is why I only shoot TMJ or FMJ in mine. (unless you have no choice- i.e. .38 S&W, which doesn't lead so badly anyhow).

-Dave

[762cavalier]

Saki- I think you are referring to the Lewis Lead Removal system.

[sammy]

I ran 200 LSWC down the 5" .45 and the barrel was not that dirty. I used a standard dry .45 copper bore brush about 15 times and it was as clean as new. Thanks for all the help guys!!

[saki302]

Bingo- I think it is the lewis system

I have bought revolvers that were so badly leaded up that only the SS brush cleaned it out. I haveyet to figure out how you can possibly lead anything up that badly.. home-cast bullets?

-Dave

[-hanko]

Bingo- I think it is the lewis system

I have bought revolvers that were so badly leaded up that only the SS brush cleaned it out. I haveyet to figure out how you can possibly lead anything up that badly.. home-cast bullets?

-Dave

The Lewis system is excellent, chore boy will also work but Lewis allows you an adjustable fit through the bore and has a neato attachment to clean the forcing cone (if you're cleaning a revolver).

Home cast or purchased won't make a difference...

Look for soft bullets loaded faster than they should be. If a manufactued bullet, look for too hard a bullet; most casters bump up the hardness to increase production yields.

Read a good book on bullet casting for starters. A lead hardness tester may also be a good purchase.

hth

-hanko

[Iowegian]

Electric bore cleaner?

They claim the Foul Out III electronic cleaner will clean lead or copper, but I have not actually used it. Here is a link to a Surplus Rifle.com article about making your own version at home. Any thoughts?

http://www.surplusrifle.com/reviews/copperout/index.asp

[30Cal]

I usually use a couple FMJ rounds, but if I forget, I'll use the Lewis Lead remover.

[ar15barrels]

They claim the Foul Out III electronic cleaner will clean lead or copper, but I have not actually used it. Here is a link to a Surplus Rifle.com article about making your own version at home. Any thoughts?

http://www.surplusrifle.com/reviews/copperout/index.asp

I have a foul-out II and it does a good job of removing lead.
It's not real fast and it takes a few cycles, but it will take out ALL the lead and ALL the copper.
You use different chemical solutions for copper or lead.