Boresnake not getting the job done

[The Freeholder]

OK, I'm scratching my head here. I recently bought a 20 ga bore snake to clean all the 20 ga shotguns. It isn't getting the job done--after 3-4 passes with it, I can run a patch down the bore and get more powder residue.

Here's the process I'm using--somebody tell me where I'm going wrong. I know these things work better than this.

Solvent is Eezox (http://www.eezox.com/). I put some up at the fluffy end, then some around the bristles, then more about 2-3" behind the bristles. After that, it's pull it through the bore. It getting a lot, and the bores are nice and shiny, put when I run a patch with in through to lube to bore for storage, I'll come out with powder residue every time. So now it's Boresnake, alternated wet/dry patches until clean, then lube and store. Sort of defeats the purpose of Boresnake, which is supposed to make this easier and faster, so I can spend more time at the range.

Am I doing something wrong, or do my expectations about the Boresnake need adjusting? Or am I just benig paranoid?

 

[Cannonball888]

I doubt it is the boresnake. I imagine EEZOX is a better lube and rust-preventative than it is a solvent, which is also the case for Break-Free CLP. I still use Hoppes No. 9 for cleaning.

 

[dcoop]

Try some Hoppe's 9. If that does not work try one of these:

http://www.outers-guncare.com/products/accessories/tico_tools.aspx

Best shotgun bore cleaning tool I have ever used.

 

[45Badger]

Am I doing something wrong, or do my expectations about the Boresnake need adjusting? Or am I just benig paranoid?

Nothing wrong with being paranoid. They probably really are out to get you

I've adjusted my expectations. They are great for a quick clean at the range. If I want spotless (I can get a little OCD on barrel cleaning), I do the swab, soak, scrub, swab routine.

 

[CRITGIT]

doubt it is the boresnake. I imagine EEZOX is a better lube and rust-preventative than it is a solvent, which is also the case for Break-Free CLP. I still use Hoppes No. 9 for cleaning.

My experiences exactly!
Try BF CLP or CorrosionX and you'll be jake with the snake!

CRITGIT

 

[Flame Red]

Ed's Red works really well with snakes too.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Hoppe's solvent and followed with Hoppe's gun oil. And use real cleaning rods and jags.

The bore snake is great for those between shot bore fouling removal, but for cleaning do it the old fashioned way...

 

[Dookie]

I have a 20Ga boresnake and I found that I had to be very liberal with the oil. Once it gets wet in the bore it comes clean quickly.

 

[moooose102]

personally, i still use the solvent and patch method to get the worst of the crud out BEFORE i use the boresnake. if the barrel has most of the crud already out, then the boresanke, with all that surface area, can pick up the remaining stuff and get it really clean. thats the way i do it. to each, his own.

 

[rbernie]

Bore snakes are good for many things, but they won't clear copper from a rifle barrel and they won't get all of the carbon and plastic residue off the forcing cones and chokes of a scattergun.

I clean my shotgun barrels by chucking up the business section of an aluminum cleaning rod into my cordless drill and using a bronze brush to clean the forcing cones and chokes. Takes about a minute and requires no solvent.

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

What I do is put the brass weight on the ground, step on it, and then hold the other end with my hand.

Then I vigorously move the barrel up and down.

 

[BHP FAN]

Well,I KNOW I'm gonna catch it from the purists,but I just spray the bejayzus out of the bristlie part of the snake with WD40,and pull it through about three times,and presto,I'm done...with the bore,anyways.Then it's back to the action with a toothbrush,a rag,and solvent.

 

[makarovnik]

In order for the boresnake to totally clean the barrel to the point where you could run a patch through and have it come out clean; You would have to totally clean the old oil and grit off the boresnack after each pass.

I get the same result as you do and as long as the barrel looks clean I don't worry about it unless I'm using corrosive ammo. Then I use very hot water to clean my guns and follow with oil. Don't sweat it.

If you are really anal about a perfectly clean barrel then use a wire bore brush and LOTS of patches.

 

[Nnobby45]

I've adjusted my expectations. They are great for a quick clean at the range.......

The bore snake if great for running thru the chamber and bbl. of a pistol (or shotgun) to clean out most of the fouling before you leave the range. I use it when I shoot the pistol I'm carrying, or my shotgun.. Then I clean them properly when I get home.

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

Actually, I get my mossberg barrel pretty darn clean with the boresnake, and my 1911 barrel "eat off of it" clean with the .45 snake.

It's all about technique, I guess.

 

[foghornl]

Eez-ox is a very good lube/protectant, but not much good as powder solvent goes.

Hoppe's, Shooter's Choice, etc much better for initial cleaning.

 

[Highland Ranger]

I don't think it is meant as a primary cleaning vehicle . . . . at least that's not how I use it.

I use the bore snake at the range when the gun is hot - gets out the big stuff and makes cleaning spotless at home easier.