Bore snakes?

[actaeon277]

I wash mine in the wash machine in one of those laundry bags. When they fall apart I toss it, and get a new one out.
Definitely a range, hunting, hiking, tool. Should not be replaced with actual cleaning techniques.

I use a spaghetti jar.
I was getting too many knots in the machine, even in a bag.

 

[DadSmith]

I use a spaghetti jar.
I was getting too many knots in the machine, even in a bag.

Fortunately I haven't been plagued like that. I use dishsoap wash, a cup of white vinegar in the rinse. Then I let it dry over the shower curtain. So far no problems.

 

[jamil]

They are good to have around at the range when shooting a lot. If the chamber gets real dirty, one pass with the snake will often keep the gun running. I don't use them for routine cleaning at the work bench. I don't think the very stiff bristles are good for the bore, especially .22's. I don't see how pulling something clogged with filthy grime can be good for the bore.

Yeah, I don't use them for .22's. I ruined a Ruger Mk III barrel with one years ago. At least that's what I attribute it to. But I do use bore snakes fairly regularly for larger caliber guns.

 

[DadSmith]

Yeah, I don't use them for .22's. I ruined a Ruger Mk III barrel with one years ago. At least that's what I attribute it to. But I do use bore snakes fairly regularly for larger caliber guns.

How can a bore snake hurt a 22lr barrel?
I've used them for years and never knew about this issue. What happens to the barrel?
I use copper brushes when doing a good clean. Should I switch to nylon?

 

[BE Mike]

How can a bore snake hurt a 22lr barrel?
I've used them for years and never knew about this issue. What happens to the barrel?
I use copper brushes when doing a good clean. Should I switch to nylon?

I was told many years ago, by a nationally ranked competitor, not to ever use a bore brush in my Hammerli 208s, but just clean the chamber by using a bent .25 cal. bore brush. I have followed that advice carefully. The bore snake keeps the brass bristles even stiffer than the bore brush. I also don't use a cleaning rod. I use a piece of plastic weed trimmer line. I cut one end at a sharp angle and melt a ball at the other end. I pull a patch through from the muzzle to the chamber, so as not to pull crap onto the rifling.

 

[actaeon277]

I was told many years ago, by a nationally ranked competitor, not to ever use a bore brush in my Hammerli 208s, but just clean the chamber by using a bent .25 cal. bore brush. I have followed that advice carefully. The bore snake keeps the brass bristles even stiffer than the bore brush. I also don't use a cleaning rod. I use a piece of plastic weed trimmer line. I cut one end at a sharp angle and melt a ball at the other end. I pull a patch through from the muzzle to the chamber, so as not to pull crap onto the rifling.

But, a regular brush is attached to a rod, which has no give in it.
A brush on a snake, will sink back into the cloth a bit.

So, is it a fair comparison?

 

[thompal]

I was told many years ago, by a nationally ranked competitor, not to ever use a bore brush in my Hammerli 208s, but just clean the chamber by using a bent .25 cal. bore brush. I have followed that advice carefully. The bore snake keeps the brass bristles even stiffer than the bore brush. I also don't use a cleaning rod. I use a piece of plastic weed trimmer line. I cut one end at a sharp angle and melt a ball at the other end. I pull a patch through from the muzzle to the chamber, so as not to pull crap onto the rifling.

Surely using a .25 cal bore brush is worse on the barrel than using a .22 brush.

 

[jamil]

How can a bore snake hurt a 22lr barrel?
I've used them for years and never knew about this issue. What happens to the barrel?
I use copper brushes when doing a good clean. Should I switch to nylon?

I’m not sure how. I remember being pretty sure it was good before. Not so much after. It’s possible it was damaged before that and I didn’t notice.

 

[BE Mike]

Surely using a .25 cal bore brush is worse on the barrel than using a .22 brush.

The bore brush is bent at 90 degrees and only used in the chamber.

 

[BE Mike]

But, a regular brush is attached to a rod, which has no give in it.
A brush on a snake, will sink back into the cloth a bit.

So, is it a fair comparison?

I don't follow the reasoning that a snake's bristles retract into the cloth, but you could be right. My point is I don't use any bore brush or snake in a .22 bore.

 

[teddy12b]

Bore snakes are all I use anymore. Aside from a custom rifle I bought and did a barrel break in procedure on I honestly couldn't tell you the last time I've used a jag and little patches. I use bore snakes on all my pistols especially, but also carbines, and precision rifles used for PRS matches.

Everyone has their own cleaning ritual, but I've had nothing but good results with mine.