Best Copper Solvent?
 

It hit me that I have never used a product specifically targeted toward copper residue in my rifle's barrel. The only exception was when I gave Outers Bore Foam a try several years ago, but not because I was aware it cleans copper somewhat.
I have noticed my groups widen over the years as a result. I'd like to use something stronger, though, since the buildup is probably substantial by this point. What do you find best, how do you use it, and what sort of cleaning rod should I use? I have heard that copper solvent can be remarkably corrosive on brass and coated rods.

Also, I would prefer to not break the bank on a cleaning rod and solvent---it seems one can easily spend more than $60 on these two things, alone.
So, best "budget" options for copper solvent/cleaning rod combo, go!

One of the best rods out there is a Dewey coated rod. At least in an affordable price range anyway. As far as copper fouling, Wipe Out is pretty sporty and pretty much fool proof. JB Bore Paste is very good but it's more work involved than wipe out. Or, if you have nose plugs because this stuff smells like you have around 100 cats and one litter box, you can go with the ammonium hydroxide based cleaners such as Butches Bore Shine or Sweets 7.62 or Barnes' CR-10 but again, boy do they reek!

Take a look at Bore Tech products. I believe Eliminator is their copper solvent.

Currently, I use all Tipton carbon fiber rods, plus one Bore Tech coated stainless rod for my 17's. Used every material and rod under the sun, and carbon fiber is what I've found best. If you're not a carbon fan, at least use a 1pc rod, worst thing for your rifle besides hot ammunition is a 3pc cleaning rod, and 3rd.

I'm not a believer in bore snakes either, except for in their designed use - quick and partial field cleaning. It's not a cleaning rod, and not meant for regular use. Want it clean? Use a rod.

I use Butch's Bore Shine copper solvent, exclusively. Tried a lot of other stuff, lots of it works, some doesn't. Butch's is one of the best products I've used, and for the sake of consistency, that's what I use.

Barrel accuracy will degrade with time, regardless of how clean it might be. As your throat starts eroding, accuracy will suffer. Running your seating depth a little longer can sometimes help, resetting your jump a bit, but barrels are consumable items - they won't live forever if you are using them.

The rods that I use the most are Dewey coated or Tipton carbon fiber. For normal cleaning a mixture of Kroil and Shooter's Choice works well and will clean the crud, carbon, and some of the copper.

For just copper cleaning Sweet's 7.62 and Butch's are good and work about the same for me. JB works well also. I do not use JB very often due to the extra effort and messy cleanup but it will get to that stubborn copper.

When a fellow uses the cleaners such as Butch's or Sweets he would be well advised to use a nylon brush and plated jag. A regular brush and jag will keep giving you a blue patch even if the barrel is clean.

All barrels are different but most will suffer with too much of a copper coating.

All good recommendations above.

This stuff is the latest & greatest !!!

Like with "others" - let it soak in for a while....................


https://www.slip2000.com/slip2000_copper_cutter.php

For economy and a great job go with Wipe Out or Patch Out.

For a cleaning rod I like the rods made by Dewey.
As for a copper solvent I really don't like the ammonia based solvents. They work but I just don't care for them. What I've found to be a very good copper solvent without the smell is Hoppe's Elite powder and copper solvent. I had a 325 WSM that was notorious for collecting copper in the bore (using Nosler Accubonds) even after a thorough break in. But this solvent did an excellent job at removing it.

Thanks, y'all! Good to know that with certain products it's best to clean outside or in the garage.