Getting muzzleloaders clean

Gil Martin · Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 8:07 pm Post subject: Getting muzzleloaders clean

I have used the hot soapy water, hot water, dry patches and oil patches routine for years and it seemed to be just fine. I still do that and follow up with G.I. bore cleaner, Shooters Choice, a snug brush and Lead Wiping Cloth and oil patches. The crud that comes out of my muzzleloaders is impressive. I believe they are now cleaner than ever. How do you folks clean your muzzleloaders? All the best...
Gil

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

Someone once tipped me to using Windex and to be frank, I've never looked back. It cleans quickly, evaporates even quicker, wife never complains about smell etc etc. For breechplug threads where I use grease I sometimes use solvent on a toothbrush but generally windex cuts through all that too.

I carry around a small squeeze bottle of it in my possibles bag incase I need an in-field cleaning. For fast "swabs" I also keep 3 or 4 patches wet with windex in a ziplock bag.

Next time you head to the range with your smokepole I suggest giving it a try Smile

-DallanC

roundball · Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 10:09 pm Post subject: Re: Getting muzzleloaders clean

GilMartin wrote:

I have used the hot soapy water, hot water, dry patches and oil patches routine for years and it seemed to be just fine. I still do that and follow up with G.I. bore cleaner, Shooters Choice, a snug brush and Lead Wiping Cloth and oil patches. The crud that comes out of my muzzleloaders is impressive. I believe they are now cleaner than ever. How do you folks clean your muzzleloaders? All the best...
Gil

I use one or another of my muzzleloaders almost every weekend year round with Goex blackpowder and patched round balls.
I clean them using steaming hot soapy water, patches, & bore brush.
Then hot water rinse, bone dry, and heavily coat them with Natural Lube 1000...bores are still like new, some after 15+ years.

IMO, one reason crud seems to keep seeping out of muzzleloader bores is from using oil / petroleum based lubes and cleaners in them

Gil Martin · Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 6:04 pm Post subject: All good points

I have heard about Windex and then others talk about Murphy's soap and peroxide and whatever to clean muzzleloaders. As long as it works it"s fine with me. I have looked a many used muzzleloaders with ample rust and pitting and it appears they were not properly cared for by previous owner(s). All the best...
Gil

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 3:52 pm Post subject: Re: Getting muzzleloaders clean

Howdy Gil. I use one of the natural solvents various companys make it i think what i have now is cabelas and then i will run some patchs with bore butter. For the breech plug i spray it with powder blast and use a brush if needed.

I might have to try the windex!!!

slamfire · Rookie Member Joined: Feb 07, 2005 Posts: 19

After the hot soapy water, I pour some rubbing alcohol through to get the moisture out. Then coat the inside of the barrel with bore butter. Wax the outside with furniture wax that has some carnuba in the mix.