Cleaning 22mag

[Hunterdad]

Just got done shooting my .22 mag for the first time. Now, I've read about not cleaning a 22lr gun but, does that go for the 22mag also?

Thanks
Adam

 

[bigfatdave]

Not even knowing the action type, my suggestion is to clean it out by filling with sand and shaking vigorously.

Now, if it is a non-semiauto (bolt/lever/single) you can probably get away with a swab through the barrel and checking for (and removing if needed) grit in the action.
For a semiauto, there will be powder residue in the action to remove to some degree or another.
For anything you ran dirty ammo through, apply more cleaning.
For clean ammo, apply less cleaning.

 

[Hunterdad]

Sorry about that. Its a Savage 93 bolt action

 

[bhk]

You should clean a .22 mag as you would a centerfire rifle. A .22 long rifle has a lubricated bullet that offers a degree of rust protection for the bore. A .22 magnum has a jacketed bullet with no external lubrication, and therefore needs to have centerfire-like care.

 

[Hunterdad]

Thanks bhk...thats what I thought.