Cleaning the .204 Ruger

[jhilde]

Just picked up my new #1 in .204 Ruger and suddenly had a thought, what to clean it with? Won't a .22 cleaning rod be to large? Are there slightly smaller rods made for the .204? Can a .17 cal rod be used? Sorry, but I guess it's obvious that all my experience has been with the .22's and up. Never had anything smaller than a .22. I know some of you are shooting the .204's and like them, how do you clean them?------------John

Originally Posted by jhilde

Just picked up my new #1 in .204 Ruger and suddenly had a thought, what to clean it with? Won't a .22 cleaning rod be to large? Are there slightly smaller rods made for the .204? Can a .17 cal rod be used? Sorry, but I guess it's obvious that all my experience has been with the .22's and up. Never had anything smaller than a .22. I know some of you are shooting the .204's and like them, how do you clean them?------------John

The 204 can be a pain. I use a .17 rod from tipton. And problem with it, is it flexs since its so tiny. Also need to buy new .2" jag and use small patches.

If you reload, you have to buy items to accomidate .2" also like powder funnels and trimmer pilots. Everything seems to cater around .223 to .45".

[Sheridan]

Pick yourself up a snake (or two) and keep the barrel clean, so you don't need to put a rod through it often.



One for solvent and one for oil.

[skb2706]

There are a couple of different makers of .20 cal rods. I have a Dewey one piece, 38" cost me about $30 but its a good one. Most .20 jags are too big for my taste so I use a .17 cal jag. I also use a boresnake in the field which works pretty good for a quick clean up.
I load for three different .204 Rugers so I have the Sinclair powder funnel and trimmer pilots for them as well.

[Pawildman]

bc and skb have covered it pretty well. I also use a .17 Dewey rod and jag. I've been using Outer's .17-.20 cal. patches, but I want to try some others, as I feel these patches are a little on the stiff side. If you reload, you will need to re-outfit yourself with the previously-mentioned items. The industry offers "sub-caliber" equipment that is necessary to load them with. Same procedure, just smaller scale stuff.......

[bugsNbows]

+1 SKB's comments.

[jhilde]

The Dewey rod sounds good and I love using the boresnakes, but didn't know they made them that small. Is there a web site where I can order this stuff? Unfortunately, the two closest gun shops to me are having all kinds of management and personnel changes so are no help at all and cater to the shotgun slug crowd anyway. A centerfire shooter is definately in the minority in these parts. Once again thanks for the help and solid suggestions, this forum is top notch------------John

[skb2706]

Sure plenty of them

Midway USA
Mid South Shooters Supply
Cabelas

All have cleaning supplies that include .20 cal rod and snakes.

[Sheridan]

I have seen / heard of a lot of gun ruined because of poor use of cleaning rods.



Know how to use one....................................!!!