Rimfire Lead Buildup

[FireMedic102]

After shooting my P22 today with Blazer lead bullets, the barrel appears to have severe lead buildup . I was able to get some of it out with solvent, but even after soaking the barrel in the bottle of Shooter's Choice, there is still lead that will not dislodge. Any suggestions? Usually i shoot mini mags, a fellow shooter told me the copper coated mini mags will get rid of the lead, but I don't want to do anything that's not safe.

 

[60 buckscash]

Try a copper bore brush!!! Is it a new gun?

 

[FireMedic102]

That's what I tried, copper bore brush, solvent, patches, everything I had. The gun is about a month old, has maybe a 1,000 rounds through it. Before the Blazer ammo today it was clean.

 

[BossHarley]

I for the life of me cannot remember the brands but there are 2 systems I have used. One is a lead cleaning cloth, you cut small squares like a patch, and use a jag and work it back and forth alot. The other is a small screen that attaches to a cleaning rod that you pull through the bore. It 'scrapes' the lead out- I found this best for large lead deposits - not sure if they make it for 22's. I would go the the gun shop they will have some of the lead cleaning cloth there.

Another option is JB bore paste, I use this often on my revolver cyclinders....

 

[Scrivener]

I remember the lead "wipe away cloth," but not who made it. Did a nice job cleaning my stainless Ruger, though.

The screen is the Lewis Lead Remover. It probably will NOT fit a .22 and is for serious leading. I used it in the above Ruger, after stupidly putting swaged lead bullets through a virgin bore.

JACKETED ammo for the first 100 rounds from now on.

 

[MisterHappy]

I remember from a while ago, there was an electro de-plating system that was reviewed in the rifleman....it could be used for both lead and copper fouling.

 

[Gammon]

I have never had a lead build up in my 22s that required special attention. I don't even use a bore brush, just a patch with some solvent on it. This is with Blazers. This problem is a new one for me.

 

[Bob J]

I use a piece of copper "chore boy" pot cleaning pad (available at your local super market) wrapped around a cleaning rod.... Cheap and effective for most leading....

For tougher lead I also have used a 50/50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar. Plug the end of the barrel and carefully fill.... Don't overfill since it will fizz as it converts the lead to lead acetate (can be absorbed through the skin so be sure to wear gloves). Leave the solution in the barrel no longer than 3 minutes or so since extended times can result in oxygen pitting of the bore... Rinse out the black goop (lead acetate), patch till clean and lube...

Also have heard (but not tried) that you can soak the inside of the barrel with Kroil overnight and the lead will be much easier to remove......

Once you get it lead free you may want to consider firelapping the barrel..... Marcus5Aurelius has a thread on the process if you do a search.... If you go this path make sure that all lead and copper fouling is removed before starting.... Copper fouling tends to lead.... Think of lead as if it were solder which has an affinity for copper... The other possibility is that your bore has a poor finish (rough).... Firelapping will fix this and improve your accuracy to boot....

 

[TonyT]

After shooting my P22 today with Blazer lead bullets, the barrel appears to have severe lead buildup . I was able to get some of it out with solvent, but even after soaking the barrel in the bottle of Shooter's Choice, there is still lead that will not dislodge. Any suggestions? Usually i shoot mini mags, a fellow shooter told me the copper coated mini mags will get rid of the lead, but I don't want to do anything that's not safe.

I had similar stubborn leading occur when i shot Remington Thurnderbolts in one of my 22's without allowing the gun to cool after firing ca. 20 to 25 rounds. In removed it with bronze brushes and a lot of elbow grease. I used up the remaining Reminton Thunderbolt ammo by allowing the gun to cool after firing 20 to 25 rounds and did not experience further problems. Since then I have stayed away from that particular brand of ammo. When shooting HV ammo I always use the copper washed/platedd variety. I seriously doubt that shooting copper plated ammo in your gun will remove the stubborn lead buildup.