I pull it both ways. I know you have to protect the crown of the rifle but I have always brushed both ways (brass brush, never steel). I first push a patch soaked (and I mean soaked) with whatever solvent you prefer, I then let the solvent soak in the riflings for 10 minutes (recommended no longer than 10 mins with ammonia based solvents) and then I brush it about 10 strokes and a stroke to me is out and back in = 1 stroke. Then I dry patch it until dry and clean and if I know I am not going to be shooting for a little while I will push a patch through with some break free oil on it.