Last night I decided to go over some of my hunting rifles to make sure the bores were clean even though I clean them after I am done shooting. When I got to my Krag I noticed after removing the first wet patch that the patch was orange in color, I was using Barnes Cr-10, it should have turned blue if there was still copper fouling in the barrel. I then switched to hoppes #9 and that got rid of the problem, I then went back and finished the job with the Barnes cleaner. Anybody have a similiar experience like this happen to them? So far Barnes Cr-10 is the best copper fouling remover that I have ever used, does anyone know of a better bore cleaner that does a better job of removing copper fouling?

I suspect the orange may be rust. Is the bore rough or pitted? If not, you lucked out, and it was just a warning that your Krag's bore may need some extra care. I would try cleaning the bore with a Kroil/JB combo, and then use a good preservative until shooting it again.

Regardless of the bore cleaner you use I always use a lightly oiled patch before I put a gun away. Some of the new foaming bore cleaners do a really excellent job of taking out any copper or lead, but Outer's foul out II electronic cleaning system is probably the surest at removing copper fouling, it plates any copper to a rod suspended in solution in the bore from the barrel and leaves nothing but bear steel behind.

I agree with the rust possibility, especially if CR-10 is your sole bore cleaner and you don't oil the bore afterwards. Any high-ammonia bore cleaner removes copper, but it ALSO removes the last molecule of oil protectant. Unless you follow the copper remover with a good oil or wax-based preservative, you will certainly get rusting.

(That's a general statement as instruction, not intended to be a slam against anybody.)

Most non-ammonia bore cleaners contain a preservative of some kind. Old Faithful Hoppes is one, and so is Shooters Choice and many, many others. Since the ammonia ones aren't so good at carbon removal, you need to use a standard bore cleaner, anyway. So simply use it AFTER the ammonia ones and you should be fine. If not, always use the oiled patch if the gun will sit for more than a few days between firings.

Regardless of the bore cleaner you use I always use a lightly oiled patch before I put a gun away. Some of the new foaming bore cleaners do a really excellent job of taking out any copper or lead, but Outer's foul out II electronic cleaning system is probably the surest at removing copper fouling, it plates any copper to a rod suspended in solution in the bore from the barrel and leaves nothing but bear steel behind.

F/F; Adding to what faucettb says, there is a site called frfrogspad.com that has much info about bore cleaning and lubricants. There is an explanation about using Outers Foul Out II that is very interesting. Also a section in there about making your own system for cleaning out copper and lead using the electrolysis procedure and how to make the solutions required.
Definately worth reading. Happy shooting.

I like Wipeout.

as Rocky pointed out most copper cleaners aren't the best at carbon removal, my prefered method is to clean the bore first with a good carbon cleaner and patch out until dry then (this is if i want to attack any copper fouling that might be present) i run a patch of kroil and let it soak for 5-10 min then run a patch of my copper solvent (i use butches bore shine because that is what i have and seems to work well) and let sit then patch out. i will then run one patch of breakfree CLP down the barrel to clean out any left over amonia base cleaner and patch out until dry.i have always thought about getting one of those electronic bore cleaners, one of these days i'll have to give it a try.

I believe your problem is rust. Follow your cleaning with a good gun oil. I use Ballistol or Montana Extreme. Before shooting again, run a dry patch through to remove most of the oil. Art R

Oil is a lubricant, not a great rust preventative over a long period of time. After using solvents and dry patches, I use an oil patch followed by a grease patch. Some of my guns have been greased for years without a problem. All the best...
Gil

, does anyone know of a better bore cleaner that does a better job of removing copper fouling?


I used to use Barnes CR-10, but I hated the smell and having to use it three or four times to get the bore clean. I now use Gunslick Foaming Bore Cleaner. I just squirt it in, let it sit for 15 minutes, and run a couple of patches through to clean it out, then one patch with RemOil down the bore. Couldn't be any easier and doesn't stink at all. The bores always come clean the first time. Its not advised to use the foaming bore cleaner on gas operated autos, or at least make sure the gun is apart and you can clean the ports out.

i know lots of folks swear by Montana extream for bad copper fouling. i've not had a problem with butches bore shine but i may try some montana extream when i run out.

Thanks alot guys for your help and advice, before going after the copper fouling I think I am going to clean the bore with good ole hoppe's #9 and then go after the copper with Cr-10, when I run out of it I will probably switch to Butches Bore shine or Montana extreme, I am tired of that amonia smell.

Neither of those are easier on the nose.

I've been using "Wipe Out" brand foaminng bore clener and it works pretty well. It actually leaves behind a protective film of oil that doesn't affect first shot accuracy. The 300RUM cleans up very quicky, with the first couple of patches coming out very blue. It's safe enough to leave in overnight for those stubborn cases of copper fouling after a long day of varmint shooting. Has a nice smell unlike Sweets, but I miss the old Hoppes solvent smell.:D

RJ

Just picked up some Hoppe's Elite foming. It is amazing on shotguns for taking out the plastic. Used it on some shotguns after pulling a snake through and when the foam worked to the end of the barrel, it was pretty dirty. Made some of the hunting partners pretty red faced when I used it on their guns. They all carry it now. Non aerosol so it works everytime.