the problem with the steel rod is its of comparable or greater hardness than the metal in the bore...you will ruin your throat, rifling and crown in a hurry...

cleaning rods ruin more bores than anything else..


get yourself a coated 1 piece dewey rod or equivalent...and a bore guide for your rifle...

then you'll have no worries...

always use brass attachments as well...and if you need a brush, make sure the part that holds the bristles is brass...most are steel or aluminum..its almost tricky to find brass ones...but they are out there...


your right about grime and gunk and junk getting on the rod...simple..wipe it off with each pass...i havent had anything "embed" im by coated dewey rod coating..