Uh oh, bore brush lodged in barrel!

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bernie

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I was cleaning my TC Renegade this afternoon and the bore brush lodged in the barrel. It is all the way to the breech, and has a patch wrapped around it. Actually the two wires that hold the bristles "spun out" of the ferule that screws into the rod. Any ideas on how to get it out?
 
Can you drop the ramrod down and reattach the brush?

All comes to worse, you'll have to pull the breech plug. Examine it closely. The hooked breech may be separate from the actual breechplug. Saw that on one gun before. Don't know about the Renegade. You'll need barrel blocks (can be made from oak), heavy vise and a barrel wrench.
 
If you're nervous about shooting it out this is a CO2 ball discharger.
I don't know if they are still available anywhere, ebay maybe?
If you can't find one PM me. I have the one I gave to my dad a long time ago, you're welcome to use it.
Like I said before I'd just shoot it out.
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They make a stuck patch removal tool - end with two corkscrews to dig into a stuck patch.
If the breech plug is removal, that may be the best option.
 
I would try all the above suggestions before attempting to de breech it. Some cap guns have the nipple drum screwed thru the barrel and breechplug, removing the drum first will keep you from damaging the plug and possibly shearing off the threads from the drum. If it is a snail type fixture then it unscrews just ahead of the snail. Either set up is gonna require some effort so be sure the barrel is held tightly and whatever wrench is used fits properly.
 
As @TheRodDoc points out, a thin walled tube that will fit the bore might pass over the brush and pull it out.

You may also see some benefit from using a copper solvent to rot the brass bristles, but you'll still need a way to grab the brush.
 
I like the tubing idea. That may be a winner if I can find the correct size. I don't think I can blow it out with a small powder charge because the patch is not wrapped over the end of the brush, but is wrapped around it like a tube. I don't believe it will catch enough pressure to blow out.
 
Many Ace Hardware stores stock brass rods and tubing. A 3/8 X 36" brass tube will slide over the bristles on your bore brush (with a little effort) and allow you to pull it out of the bore. This is a common problem since low-quality bore brushes have appeared on the scene about 15 years ago. The ONLY bore brush safe to use on a muzzle loading rifle is one that the twisted wire core is passed horizontally through the threaded ferule. Those made with the twisted wire core pressed-in to a threaded sleeve pull out when you try to reverse it in the bore. I have removed 20+ stuck bore brushes this way for unbelieving muzzle loading friends.
 
Find a wood dowel a bit smaller than the bore. Drill a hole in the center of one end that is big enough to slide over the threads on the brush. Put a dab of epoxy in the hole, seat the brush into the hole, allow the epoxy to cure for a day. Don't rush it. Come back and pull the brush out.
Do not fill the hole with epoxy, you don't want it to leak out onto the bore. Allow the epoxy to cure with the rifle upside down, propped in the corner of a wall. This encourages the epoxy to stay in the dowel.

I've done it, it works.
 
I would try any of the above suggestions except shooting it out. It's an obstruction in the classical sense and trying to shoot it out could work OK (once) or it could bulge the barrel and wreck the gun permanently and the rest of your day.
 
TheRodDoc has suggested the correct method for a brush removal. I had to use an aluminum arrow shaft on my 36 after sticking a bristle brush. I asked the same question OP has asked and was given this method for removal. I was also told to never go near a traditional muzzle loader with a bristle brush again.
 
Unscrew the breech plug. It's no big deal. A padded vise and a Cresent wrench fitted tight with leather pads will do the trick.
 
Thank you 243winXB. I'd definitely pull the breech plug.

I was also thinking of a copper solvent that would have to sit there for a while to weaken the bristles but the breech plug is easier.
 
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