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jfrench · Joined: 31 Jul 2007 Posts: 533 Location: New Hampshire

I'm going to be taking a half day to shoot my 50. Usually I just take a few shots, go home and clean. Any tips for quick cleaning on the range? How often between shots should I clean? I'm using a percussion TC White Mountain.

Old Professor · Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2007 2:10 pm Post subject:

I always run a patch dampened with a blackpowder bore cleaner down the bore between each shot. Loading will be easier and accuracy better.

Fisher King · Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Posts: 232 Location: Muskoka Ontario

With my flint I run a dry patch after each shot .54 but with the .50 I run a damp patch with my 4:1 water balistol mix. If I dont do it wet with the .50 I stick the rod every time, the .54 dosent seem to have this problem with sticking and less foweling.
My 2 cents F.K.

Bullbuster · Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 181 Location: Norfolk, Virginia

I run a traditions wonder lube patch between each shot if i don't by the 4th shot I have to really force it down. Otherwise just soap and water at home after the shoot.

jfrench · Joined: 31 Jul 2007 Posts: 533 Location: New Hampshire

Yeah, I do the soap and water thing at home. I'm not using an inline, so I'm not sure if running a patch will completely do the trick. I'll probably bring a cooler full of water to the range. That way if needed I can just clean it out good and let it dry while I do something else. I could always plink away with the revolver while I'm waiting.

Bullbuster · Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 181 Location: Norfolk, Virginia

Even with a side lock be it cap or flint try puting the nipple pick in and holding it there when ya run a patch down. Should prevent most if not all residue from being pushed back into the fire channel if that even an issue you have noticed.

jfrench · Joined: 31 Jul 2007 Posts: 533 Location: New Hampshire

If the channel did get cloged could I clear it by just setting of a primer or two?

Bullbuster · Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 181 Location: Norfolk, Virginia

yes you can and many do do that before reloading. BTW do you use a range rod for cleaning or the rod it came with? I got a range rod as I can't pull the rod back out with a patch on if I push it down to the bottom. I have a T-handle I can put on the rod for in the field if I need too.

jfrench · Joined: 31 Jul 2007 Posts: 533 Location: New Hampshire

I just got a range rod this year. I bought it so I would only have to use the rifle rod in the field. I should actually replace the ram rod I have now. It's dosn't feel so sturdy anymore.

tom333 · Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 13 Location: Michigan

Interesting topic, especially after this weekend. Was at the range with my .50 cal hawkins (cap and prec.) After my 3rd round I swabed the bore with some tc bore cleaner and ran a dry patch down. Base on my last experince, I over saturated the patch. Needless to say, my next round wouldn't fire. I pulled the ball, and the powder was wet. I had failed to dry it off. I should have known better... I used only two swipes (with the same patch.) Lesson learned I guess.

If I can ask, just how match cleaner should i squirt on the patch? a few drops? maybe? Should I soak the patch?

jfrench · Joined: 31 Jul 2007 Posts: 533 Location: New Hampshire

I find that when cleaning in general at the range (smokeless included) just use a few drops. Good to run one or two dry patches through after too. A projectile will fly differently from a barrel that is dry or wet. May not apply so much to heavier projectiles at close range such as a muzzleloader, but better you never know. It is an interesting topic. When you're using a traditional rifle, you've got to deal with the fact that you can't send a patch straight through the barrel. Not an issue at home when you're cleaning thuroughly to put it away, but it is an issue in the field and on the range. As you just explained with the fact that you didn't get a shot off. Guess it's a matter of practice, which I have not had alot of lately.