Bore Snake...any problems with using?

bbush · #1 06-13-2011, 09:40 PM

I was wondering if anyone has an opinion on the use of a bore snake and the damaging of a rifle's barrel. I was on another website and came across a post that was saying that bore snake's can cause damage to rifle barrels especially in the throat area. The post also said that the bore snake can "grind powder residue and other contaminants" into the barrel's rifling. It is just hard for my to imagine that a bore snake would be that hard on a barrel, especially when you consider that the hardest thing on one is the bronze pull through handle and barrel scrubbing brissels. To me, it would look like the action of a bullet going down the barrel would "grind " continants into the steel more than the pull through action of a bore snake. I have a new bore snake that I was planning on using while sighting in a new rifle this weekend, but after reading the post on the other website, I am having second thoughts.

ICANHITHIMMAN · #2 06-13-2011, 09:49 PM

I use them on all my ARs and pistols as well as my M1a never had an issue. I dont use them on any of my LR rifles but I would. Sounds a bit crazy to me what site was it?

MTBULLET · #3 06-14-2011, 08:26 AM

I have one in every gun case i own. Best thing for "in the field" cleaning I've found.

bigngreen · #4 06-14-2011, 08:43 AM

I won't use one anymore for regular cleaning! After the brush all the crude that was loosened is now in the tail section so the next trip down you drag all that through your chamber, neck and throat which is the area your trying to protect with bore guides and quality cleaning rods that are themselves CLEAN! Just my opinion, I do carry one in the mountains just in case I need it though like MTBULLET.

MTBULLET · #5 06-14-2011, 08:52 AM

I agree the "tail" can get dirty, but a good "shaking" can get most of the loose stuff off. And, I clean mine regularly in the dish washer. (dont tell my wife!)

bigngreen · #6 06-14-2011, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTBULLET

I agree the "tail" can get dirty, but a good "shaking" can get most of the loose stuff off. And, I clean mine regularly in the dish washer. (dont tell my wife!)

LouBoyd · #7 06-14-2011, 10:11 AM

I don't use bore snakes. The problem is keeping them clean. I live in Arizona whch has lots of blowing sand. Many types of sand have sharp edges and are harder than arrel steel. I keep my cotton patches in small ziplock bags and woldn't consider re-using one. It's not practical or cost effective to use only fresh bore snakes. If an oily used snake is left in a range bag it will pick up lots of fine sand. Would you use 600 grit carborundum cloth. for patches?

I don't buy the concern over powder residue causing throat damage. It's hot high pressure high velocity propellant that eroads throats. that has very little to do with cleaning techniques.

If I'm carrying a rifle in the field in conditions with blowing dust I put a finger cot (available at any drugstore) over the muzzle. Shooting sand out of a barrel with a bullet does more damage than pushing it out the bore with a wet or dry cotton patch but that's more damaging than not letting sand in the barrel to start with. The cots are cheap and will also keep out rain or snow. If you forget to remove one it only has a small effect on accuracy.