Can you clean the bore w/ a 12 guage wire brush?
 

I just shot my 209 In line in. The kick freaked me out and the scope hit my nose .What a blast that 150 grains of powder made.
Question..Can you run a 12 guage wire brush down the barrel? I was worried about the threads.
Chuck

RE: Can you clean the bore w/ a 12 guage wire brush?
 

No, 12ga is way over sized. Also when using a bronze brush, never change directions midway thru. Push all the way out the barrel and then all the way out the breech plug. I hear some guys using a brush in between shots, but I high discourage it. Yes, you are changing direction where the powder sits, but I don't want any pits in my barrel.

Now I do use a 16ga brush to clean out my area where my breech is.

RE: Can you clean the bore w/ a 12 guage wire brush?
 

As I begin to lower the ramrod into my bore, I change directions withmy "correct fitting"brass brush in all my ML bores... even get to the bottom & turn it clockwise a few times. Sometimes I'll stop half-way down the bore & scrub up & down/sideways to remove a stubborn fouled area.

Some of my ML bores have several hundred shots accumulated.... no signs of damage or pitting yet. I think the secret to my success is not using a brush that's not meant formy caliber - not using a dry brush without a large 3"clothed patch around it - never using that dry/unsoiled, clothed patch in a squeeky clean barrel.

The closest caliber to a 50-cal muzzleloader barrel is a 28 gauge shotgun. I "think" 20-gauge is close to the 54 - 12 gauge is close to the 58.

RE: Can you clean the bore w/ a 12 guage wire brush?
 

That was a big help. I won't do it again. I only ran it down once. I was concerned about the threads where the thing screws in for the 209 primer. You guys are a big help. I really appreciate it.
Chuck
So I need a 28 guage brush. Can I run the bare brush down the complete bore or did someone mention puttin ga cloth around it?
Chuck

RE: Can you clean the bore w/ a 12 guage wire brush?
 

That or they sell .50 caliber cleaning brushes at most muzzleloading stores. They will screw right into the end of your ramrod and if you have a T-handle on the other end, you have a pretty good cleaning rod. Personally I have a seperate range rod for cleaning and loading the rifle at the range and home. The ramrod that came with the rifle is used for loading in the woods only. Although I do practice a few times with it on the range just to make sure I can load the projectile under hunting conditions..

As for running a bare brush down the bore, I have done it and not noticed any damage to the bore. I have also ran them with a patch wrapped over them too. The patched brushwill pick up a lot of fowling too when it is on the brush and it is a way to keep good solvent in contact with the bore and the brush at the same time.

RE: Can you clean the bore w/ a 12 guage wire brush?
 

hay chuck 7 im a newbie to ml too. i havnt even shot mine yet but. go to basspro they have a really good cleaing kit. its called cva deluxe cleaing kit. comes with range rod patches brushes swabs breech plug grease and other cleaing liquids. and a nipple pick and some other stuff. i think its 50 dollars. if u want to spend the money. thats the one im gona get.

RE: Can you clean the bore w/ a 12 guage wire brush?
 

These guys are good on here. I felt very prepared at the range. Be ready for a nice loud sound when you pull the trigger.:)
Chuck

RE: Can you clean the bore w/ a 12 guage wire brush?
 

A 28 guage brush works well for .50 caliber. But 20 guage is around .625 and 12 guage is nominally .729. Even a .58 caliber would really bend the bristles of a 12 guage brush.

RE: Can you clean the bore w/ a 12 guage wire brush?
 

Buy what is made for the gun when available. Most any gun shop will have or be able to get what you need, like bore brushes.