Cleaning with a bore snake

A

adam1122

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Minuteman
Aug 10, 2010
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#1
Alright, so I now I own snakes for all of my AR's. Question......should I use the venom cleaner that it comes with or should I use something else? it's a quick clean but they seem to get most of the powder fouling out even if they do feel like they are going to rip off inside the barrel!

If I clean copper out I'm obviously not using the bore snake but a dedicated copper cleaner......foam usually and let it sit.

What do you guys thinks works best for a cleaner on the bore snake?
 
#2
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

Bore snakes... I wouldn't clean a rifle with one unless I am in the field and can't drag a dewey rod and bore guide with me.

You are just repeatedly pulling dirt down the barrel with one. You wouldn't use the same patch to clean your rifle would you?

But I digress, to each his own.
Good luck
 
#3
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

I agree with Victory, I take a Bore Snake with me to the field if I don't feel like taking my Otis kit just in case I have to sweep the bore out a little. In any other case I use a cleaning rod, jag, bore guide, and solvent like Shooter's Choice to get my stuff cleaned up. Likewise, good luck.
 
#7
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

Bore snakes should not be a replacement for proper cleaning.

I use them in the field to knock the crap out of the barrel after firing. When necessary the real cleaning is done with a Dewey Rod and Bore Guide.

If you want to clean in the field, then use a cable system with a real brush, patches and solvent.
 
#8
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: victory</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You are just repeatedly pulling dirt down the barrel with one. You wouldn't use the same patch to clean your rifle would you? </div></div>

You do know you can wash the bore snakes right? lol...
 
#9
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

I also have a bore snake in my field cleaning kit, It has come in handy a couple times. I dont clean my bore in the field unless something is stuck, or something fishy is going on. So it just sits there pretty much doing nothing.

I did help a friend get a stick case out of the chamber with it. So its good for that kind of stuff!

I have a $3 bottle of CLP in my kit as well.
 
#10
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Broker</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: victory</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You are just repeatedly pulling dirt down the barrel with one. You wouldn't use the same patch to clean your rifle would you? </div></div>

You do know you can wash the bore snakes right? lol... </div></div>

You wash your bore snake between every pull down the barrel? Let me know what kind of solvent you are using because if it only takes one pull to get it clean, I want some. Also if it is your own concoction, I'll buy the recipe.
 
#11
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

I have a few for quick in the field cleaning. Having said that, we cleaned deer rifles that were 1/2" or better accurate for 30 years using aluminum rods and push/pull with no damage to the barrels. I am confident that the "damage" is waaaay overstated from pulling a dirty patch/boresnake through a barrel. unless you are pulling sand and gravel size stuff that is. Washing a snake after repeated use is an interesting concept. Certainly would take the major grit off of it if you are going to use it that much. Bristles would probably need replacing after a few uses though.
 
#12
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

I thought I hear Jacob say in the Online Training video on cleaning, that he'll use a boresnake after a range session. Then after 1,000 rounds or when accuracy falls off, then he'll swab the bore with a rod and patch?
 
#13
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Outlaw45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I thought I hear Jacob say in the Online Training video on cleaning, that he'll use a boresnake after a range session. Then after 1,000 rounds or when accuracy falls off, then he'll swab the bore with a rod and patch?

</div></div>

Are you telling us that or asking us that?

I was up on a mountain once and God told me that he only uses a bore snake made out of the flesh of first born sons until accuracy falls off, then gets out his dewey rod and patch. Usually around 1000 smites... give or take a smite or two.


Like I said to each his own. If someone wants to use a steal rod to clean their rifle, go ahead, or bore snake the shit out of it.

I'm just not going to do it.
 
#15
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: isptroop38</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Curious how one uses the bore snake to remove a stuck case? Thanks. </div></div>

It works for cases that have had case head seperations adn the body is stuck in the chamber.
Folks here can tell you of the match where I had overworked brass an a few times I useda boresnake backwards to pull the seperated body out on the clock and finish the stage.

There's always one in my ruck now.

And I pull one through every once in a while, between cleanings.
 
#16
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

More good rifles have been ruined by cleaning than just about anything other than shooting the barrels out.

I carry a snake for all the reasons listed above, but with one caviat. For the field snake I pull the brushes out as all I want is one clean-out pass. If you do this, you can go one size larger and it will softly work out anything. Either with the brush in or out, there is nothing wrong with a snake. I'm in the CLP camp as well.

Good luck

Shoot quality ammo, try not to stick your muzzle in the dirt and you will be fine.
 
#17
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SteelShot11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I only use them out in the field as well. Does any one solvent work best with these things? </div></div>
For field <span style="font-style: italic">cleaning</span>, why not carry an OTIS Kit? With an OTIS you can easily pull a fresh patch through the bore each time (instead of dragging more crap back through the bore with every pull as is done with a bore snake). Also, do you really need to "clean" in the field other than to clear obstructions?


Keith
 
#18
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

You guys got me questioning my method...
So after hundreds of rounds through my rifle and ONLY a dry Bore Snake having been dragged through, once for each round fired, I pushed a CLP-wet patch through.

It came out...

CLEAN. White.

I'll stick with my Bore Snake until I think my chrome-lined bore really needs a scrubbing.
 
#20
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

I have two bore snakes for my AR 1st and 2nd. My barrel hasn't seen a rod in a long time.

As far as cleaning in the field, not unless it took a swamp bath.
 
#21
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

I'm not calling you out, but this statement is repeated often around here.

I have never seen any hard facts to support this. Do you have any?

How about if we change just <span style="font-weight: bold">ONE</span> variable...that being that the person cleaning knows what they are doing?

People who know what they are doing DO NOT ruin barrels by cleaning. Case in point: Benchrest Shooters.



<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RollingThunder51</div><div class="ubbcode-body">More good rifles have been ruined by cleaning than just about anything other than shooting the barrels out.
</div></div>
 
#22
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

I prefer to use urine, a brilo pad, and a piece of rebar. Works good for me. But there is no way in hell I'd ever use a bore snake. It will absolutely render your firearm useless.

If you have ever used a bore snake you need to send the firearm(s) to me to dispose of properly. They are no longer safe and are absolutely ruined.

Obviously every part of the bore snake is much harder than the steel you're using it on, and is way more abrasive than an explosion, and copper covered projectile, screaming through it.

I can't even see how you can look at yourself in the mirror after using one. Plus the maker of the bore snake supports Terrorism!

TERRORISM!!!

You anti American, communist supporting fool!! Don't think twice. Sending me your ruined shit will find you back in the Good 'ol USA's good graces, and you might still have a chance to get to Heaven.

Save your soul!!
 
#23
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

That is some funny shit. I call 2nds on the ruined stuff.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shibby</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I prefer to use urine, a brilo pad, and a piece of rebar. Works good for me. But there is no way in hell I'd ever use a bore snake. It will absolutely render your firearm useless.

If you have ever used a bore snake you need to send the firearm(s) to me to dispose of properly. They are no longer safe and are absolutely ruined.

Obviously every part of the bore snake is much harder than the steel you're using it on, and is way more abrasive than an explosion, and copper covered projectile, screaming through it.

I can't even see how you can look at yourself in the mirror after using one. Plus the maker of the bore snake supports Terrorism!

TERRORISM!!!

You anti American, communist supporting fool!! Don't think twice. Sending me your ruined shit will find you back in the Good 'ol USA's good graces, and you might still have a chance to get to Heaven.

Save your soul!!</div></div>
 
#24
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

I challenge any bore-snake detractor to attempt to geometrically alter a piece of ~40Rc 4140CM steel, or ~35Rc 416 Stainless with hand/arm magnitude forces, and any part of a boresnake.

Good luck, it'll take 5 cartilage repair surgeries in your elbows before you remove .0001" of material.

ETA: Boresnakes are certainly NOT for thoroughly cleaning a bore, but they do a fine job of knocking out any particles/powder residue in the bore. I pull one through before/after most range sessions. Doing so before shooting guarantees your bore is clear of obstructions, and knocks out the fuzz of rifles that have sat a long time since last used.
 
#25
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

This thread is pretty entertaining.
I was back and forth between oh crap, I'd just bought 4
of them for my .223's and shotguns, and, oh they're ok I guess.
I actually see both sides of the arguement. While I don't mind pulling one through my thousand dollar .223's and shotguns, my APA and GAP are outta the question. That's just me protecting my babies from the "UNKNOWN!" I honestly don't know how abraisive they get, I'm sure it's dynamic to the situation.
I would do as I always do, what's feels right to me.

JMHO.
smile.gif
 
#26
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shibby</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I prefer to use urine, a brilo pad, and a piece of rebar. Works good for me. But there is no way in hell I'd ever use a bore snake. It will absolutely render your firearm useless.

If you have ever used a bore snake you need to send the firearm(s) to me to dispose of properly. They are no longer safe and are absolutely ruined.

Obviously every part of the bore snake is much harder than the steel you're using it on, and is way more abrasive than an explosion, and copper covered projectile, screaming through it.

I can't even see how you can look at yourself in the mirror after using one. Plus the maker of the bore snake supports Terrorism!

TERRORISM!!!

You anti American, communist supporting fool!! Don't think twice. Sending me your ruined shit will find you back in the Good 'ol USA's good graces, and you might still have a chance to get to Heaven.

Save your soul!! </div></div>

Rare form......
 
#27
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

This is an interesting thread. I started out using a bore snake and got told. Don't do that it is bad for the bore.

Reading this thread brought up the thought? If a bore snake is pulling whats in the barrel along the bore and that is bad for it. What is a bullet doing when it is going down the bore. Is every next shot pulling more debris down the bore? So are you just scraping the debris against the bore every time you fire it?

Just thinking out loud.
 
#28
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jAXDIALATION</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm not calling you out, but this statement is repeated often around here.

I have never seen any hard facts to support this. Do you have any?

How about if we change just <span style="font-weight: bold">ONE</span> variable...that being that the person cleaning knows what they are doing?

People who know what they are doing DO NOT ruin barrels by cleaning. Case in point: Benchrest Shooters.



<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RollingThunder51</div><div class="ubbcode-body">More good rifles have been ruined by cleaning than just about anything other than shooting the barrels out.
</div></div></div></div>

People who know what they are doing do not ruin barrels. Agreed.

People who do not know what they are doing ruin barrels often, mostly crowns. Agreed.

Now which kind of people do you think there are more of?

As requested:

11 years of data from Bushmaster and LTC Santose)

The U.S. Army recently (Oct 2000) reported the Mean-Time-Between-Failures (MTBF) for M16A2/M4/M4A1 barrels is 9600 rounds. These are chrome lined barrels with a 1:7 twist made out of 4150 steel (just like Bushmaster & Colt use), and they see full-auto use. Also note the military is using full power M193 & M855 rounds, while most commercial .223 runs 100 to 200 fps slower (with the same bullet weight). The 1:7 twist barrels do burn out quicker than the 1:9, especially under full auto stresses. For a chrome lined barrel on a semi-auto only rifle 20,000 rounds (or more) can be expected.<span style="color: #FF0000"> [Warning: More civilian barrels are ruined to over (or careless) cleaning than to being "shot out".] </span>Stainless barrels won't last as long, 4140 steel barrels wear longer than stainless; but not as long as the Colt 4150 barrels (w/o the chrome lined bores). nor as long as the chrome lined bores (given the same shooting)."

These folks are new to me:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1132973



Best
 
#30
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

It's just a last resort when I'm in the middle of nowhere and I can see littlle piles of powder fouling......one pull this crappy built bore snake with some cleaner (these days it comes with venom cleaner......catchy name) and my barrel seems to be relatively clean. I am a little worried that I am literally going to rip it apart....on both my 5.56 and.308 rifles they are really in there tight.

Im a big fan of not over cleaning. Watch some of magpuls training DVDs on cleaning rifle barrels....it's got some good stuff about it.
 
#31
Re: Cleaning with a bore snake

Boresnakes are fine and if clean and dry when pulled through. Even if there is some carbon or debris, I really can't imagine how it could more abrasive than a bullet with carbon and powder pushing it out the barrel.

I understand that they are not as ideal nor do they clean a bore as thoroughly as a cleaning rod with patches and bore guide, but they work well when you don't have another option.

I believe most of the damage done to a barrel that adversely effects accuracy is to the crown and/or chamber.
 
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