I have a Perdersoli 50 cal percusion rifle, replica of a kentucky long rifle. When I clean it, I start with a solvent for plastic (don't remember the name) because I also shoot a lot of Powerbelts, then follow up with soapy water heated almost to boiling; that is followed by hot water rinse, etc., etc.

I have always wondered if I should be using a bore brush. I have one and used it once, but was always concerned if it could damage the barrel. Without a breech plug, I have to push it down to the end, then pull it back out, which reverses the bristles or they don't reverse and the ends push against the side of the barrel. Clear as mud??

What do you think?

Bruce

Bruce,
The bristles are made of brass. Your steel barrel should be harder than the brass on any given day. The only prob I see is how hard it is on you to get it back out, but it shouldn't hurt the barrel, in my opinion. Let's hear what others have to say.

I use range / cleaning rods that have a 2" ball on one end...whenever I start using a new brush it's so tight I worry it'll get caught down bore, but with the "power" I'm able to get on the ball handle, I just rotate the ramrod and it causes the bristles to start curving just enough to lose their straightout grip on the bore and it slides back up no problem.
(T-Handle would work just as well)

Yep.. like roundball said.. I use a T-handle and can turn that brush enough to get it loose, then put that T in something and pull that bore brush back out. I have been cleaning my barrels for years with the brushes and it has not caused any damage I can tell of. In fact some will argue that a cleaning jag with the ruff sides when patched can do more damage to the rifling then a bore brush....