So Tim-W, you tested the bore cleaners, but didn't tell us which one you liked best. Please save us the time and money and tell us what you use after extensive testing.
Well I sort of did by my first post. Then I indicated how in my second post. I know it was not as clear as saying I tested all of these and this is what worked. But I recomended 3 and then mentioned the testing if people want to find out for themselves.
I will see if I can dig up the photos I took during testing as it was yrs ago. I actually added in the bore tech products on a recommendation a few yrs ago by a member here.
I took shot glasses filled with each solvent then weighed solid copper turned gs custom bullets. They were 80gr HV .270s meant for 6.8 spc.
I then used a lab scale (a mistake) good to 0.005gr accuracy 0.0001 resolution and a (total PITA to setup properly and unneeded for this.) I pulled each bullet washed it in distilled water, pat dry, and weighed it. I did this for different time intervals up to 24 hrs. 1, 3, 6, 12, 24
The best ones were:
* KG-12 Big Bore Copper Remover
* Bore Tech Cu+2 Copper Remover
The one that surprised me the most as it was super popular at the time was WipeOut foaming bore cleaner. It did very little to the bullet. I added the foam and kept adding it as it was turning to a non-foamed liquid till the glass was full first so it had even more time to act on the copper. I think it works by dislodging (unsticking/lifting) the copper specks than actually dissolving them.
The cleaners with heavy ammonium content like Butches, Sweets, home brews were next groups which showed significant and quick effect and etching of the copper.(discolor pitting weight loss etc) But with any ammonium based cleaner you have to be careful of bore etching. You should not leave it in the bore for extended periods etc. And the noxious vapors are toxic. They also did not etch/dissolve copper as well as the top 2.
The top three are very close IMO within the possible error rate.
The benefit of the Bore Tech is the color indicator of copper is much easier to see than KG-12. I have used all three but started with KG-12 so I would have to conclude the possiblity of a small personal bias whether factual or not.
Do not use bronze brushes as any of the above will dissolve the copper content and will indicate copper in the bore on a patch. Nylon brushes is all that's needed and do not think since its softer it can not cause bore wear from aggressive brushing.i
I do know KG-1 Carbon Remover is one of the very best carbon removers, at least as of a few yrs ago. I know others have found this to be true as well. The thing is KG Products does very little in marketing compared to many of the popular cleaners lines. KG1 and 12 are the only two of their line I use.
But no matter what you choose to clean with IMHO any gun room worth its salt must have the smell of HOPPES #9 infused. It has to be the most recognized smell next to the sweet metallic smell of burn gunpowder. LOL I found mixing #9 and STP Oil Treatment 1:1 makes a good case lube as well.
If your gonna pay for gun lub and grease vs using syn motor oil and syn bearing grease like Mobil 1 I have found Slip2k EWL for oil and XF-7 for grease to work the best. I am almost certain Slip 2k EWG (grease) is the same product copy as XF-7. XF7 was on the market long before originally md labs so I tend to stick with it but whatever is easiest to get I guess. IMO that oil grease combo is the very best in AR gas gun mantainance and for storage and use on the bolt and raceways for bolt actions depending on enviornment.
I like to research and test products. I like the tech side of things so I tend to run various tests in my free time. It can start to add up in time and cost unless you wait and see if you can get demo supply from all the manf.
BTW Bore Tech Eliminator also did well and if a all in one product was needed would be the choice. I had added it before but it worked slightly less aggressive to kg12 and bt cu+2. As would be expected the more specific the better it should work
