I buy 2.

One for solvents; use for both fouling & copper.

I use Hoppe's #9 and pour a small amount in a bottle big enough to fit the entire snake in it, then cover it with my hand and shake, until the snake is wet.

I pull the snake out while pressing the snake against the lip, draining the excess back into the bottle.

I pull the snake into the barrel and let it sit inside the barrel for +/- 5 mintues.

I then pull it throught the barrel 3-5 times.

Dry the snake by pulling it through a clean rag.

Same basic process with copper solvent (Shooter's Choice), although I just soak the upper +/- 1/5 to 1/4 of the snake, before I pull it through 3-5 times.


Second snake is for the oil - wet top (1" to 2") with oil pull through 3-5 times.

Dry both snakes by pulling through a clean rag before putting away (baggie).


Discount your first 3-5 shots, if looking for tight groups at the range.

IMO - Snakes are great for the break-in process and field use.


BTW - more barrels are ruined by using cleaning rods without a bore guide ~ Not my opinion ~ my gunsmith's experiences !!!!