"I See" said the blind man!
I wasn't thinking about using the "plunger" method for cleaning the barrel like that.......I just patch mine clean using a Simple Green/Water solution - using some of the same solution on the little nylon brush to clean the threads out too.
For your method, that thread protector sounds "pretty nifty".

When using the J-Bs, you will get better results working the patches in descending, quick, short strokes rather than long, bore-length strokes because the paste is friction activated and needs the little bit of "heat" generated by the quick strokes to do its best work. Though for peace of mind, I usually run the patch the full length once or twice right after I have worked it through with the short-stroke method, the thought being that this when even out any "irregularities" I might have caused.


"Every moving thing that liveth, I give unto you as meat" (Gen 9:3)

Trust God..........but keep your powder dry!