Rifle Cleaning -- The Products and Procedures I use

I have been asked quite a few times to put a video together on how I clean my rifles. This video is just the way I do it and is not the gospel of cleaning rifles by any means. So many different methods. Finding what works for you to help look after you rifles and keep them shooting accurately is all that really matters in the end. Hope this helps.

[@claverton]

Searched for the "Nulon Foaming Air Intake Cleaner" all over Sydney without success. Got in touch with Nulon's and they were prompt and helpful. They advise that the product has had a name change. It is now called "Nulon Pro Strength Upper Engine Cleaner" if you are looking for the product demonstrated in this vid

[@BoltActionProductions]

Thanks for that mate. Hopefully, this will help a few people out.👍👍

[@juliandean8787]

Best gun cleaning Vid on here mate I love that you're not just advertising your favourite product like all the others you're giving a wide range of options yet supplying your opinion 👌

[@BoltActionProductions]

Thanks Julian. That is pretty much all I try and do

[@cococharliematenga4829]

Very informative and enjoyable as usual. Thanks for sharing.

[@BoltActionProductions]

No problem mate.....

[@hankbraff1135]

Great vid Steve thaks for taking the time to put this up mate.

[@BoltActionProductions]

Thanks Hank. Pleasure..............

[@petej2533]

Sent this vid to a mate in Benalla a season shooter who's always had clean firearms, and he was amazed as to how much crud came out the barrel after using the Nulon air intake cleaner (foaming) excellent recomendation Thanks Steve

[@BoltActionProductions]

It certainly is a cheap investment into barrel maintenance

[@MarkLinno81]

Picked up a couple of things from this that'll I'll be doing from now on, very good rifle cleaning video for new shooters also, there is lots of conflicting and confusing info online when first trying to learn these things. 👍

[@BoltActionProductions]

Very much so mate. So many different ways of doing this and what works for one may not for another. This video was mainly aimed to help new shooters/hunters get a basic idea of why you do each step. Hopefully I haven't made it too confusing.

[@user-gd7fx4jf5c]

Awesome demo and instructional video fella👍

[@BoltActionProductions]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@vk2xjm]

Thanks very much. Enjoying your video's. Love the idea about the mentholated spirits to remove other solutions. Cheers

[@BoltActionProductions]

Pleasure mate. I hope it gives you some ideas

[@tonygillahan]

Very good video mate 👍 I personally don't clean any of my rifles, I don't even oil inside the barrels after use. I do have dehumidifiers in my safe at all times though which is why I don't have corrosion issues. In my opinion many people do more harm than good when they clean their barrels too often.

[@BoltActionProductions]

Interesting approach Tony. You are correct in saying many ruin a good barrel via poor cleaning methods but just as many barrels have been ruined via neglect. It’s Marvellous how many rifles that I have been given by individuals that say their rifle won’t shoot well but after I clean them thoroughly they are surprised as how all of a sudden that same rifle will shoot well under MOA.

[@tonygillahan]

Bolt-Action Productions for sure! Completely agree and have heard of many similar stories. I will clean mine when accuracy drops off noticably, but with all my current rifles that is yet to happen haha and hopefully it's awhile before it does 👍 when I used to clean my rifles I had a similar approach as you, lots of patches, minimal brushes and when I did use brushes they were nylon 👍

[@iand720]

excellent video mate, i use grease where you use anti seize, only because its easier to clean out when it gets dirty (i use throttle body cleaner) . Really a lot of the automotive products work really well.

[@BoltActionProductions]

Thanks mate. Yes mate, anything is better than nothing. The anti-sieze I use is very similar to grease and will handle a fair bit of heat before it changes its consistency.

[@claverton]

And the beauty of the Nulon Air Intake Cleaner is that it's very cheap. Thanks for the tip

[@BoltActionProductions]

Certainly is👍

[@aoadventures9498]

Great to see other products to use. Still on my first lot of cleaning products including Hoppers No.9 Gun & Copper cleaner and Rem oil. I made the mistake of buying the 3piece rod, WRONG! Broke it straight away. Haven't got a Jag yet, I use the brush with the patch on the end. It seems the foam and auto products is the way to go and probally more cost effective. I find on my Henry 17HMR Lever small corrosion spots on the lever and barrel. What might cause this? The one thing different from your vid is I don't do a dry wipe at the end. I might add that step. Thanks again for a great informative Video and awsome last hunt👍

[@BoltActionProductions]

No Problem mate. Hoppes No.9 is Ok but not the fastest or best for removing copper IMO. Fingerprints can be the cause of many rust spots. Get yourself a good rod and jag along with quality brushes. With a little TLC your rifles will last you a lifetime unless you shoot them out like I use to. LOL

[@stanlong-rangepensionerman3363]

Very simple and informative

[@BoltActionProductions]

Thanks Stan. I hope you got something from it👍

[@payres48]

Very useful information Steve. Love your man cave too.

[@BoltActionProductions]

Thanks Paul. I tend to spend a little bit too much time in there. LOL

[@regsparkes6507]

I would say this is the proper and correct way to clean the rifle,...I am guilty of leaving my rifle for a day or so after a shooting session before cleaning. I know this is NOT good, and I will follow your instructions now. Thanks Steve.

[@BoltActionProductions]

Don't worry Reg. I am no saint either when it comes to cleaning my rifles. Once I get motivated to do it that is a different story.......

[@markandmellwhiteley7995]

l like to use the accelerator with the wipe out patch out, very good stuff for carbon in all honesty after using a borescope on bores that have never seen a bore guide but have lost there accuracy l have never seen any damage from a cleaning rod from not using a bore guide and l have looked at quite a few to check but l say if it makes you feel better why not ;) the continuous black on your patch is because your barrel is chrome molly and has pores, you will not find this with stainless because it does not have pores do a test after a thorough clean with a chrome molly bore leave it for a week then push another patch down and you will see carbon on the patch the anti seize on the bolt lugs is a great idea thanks for the video

[@BoltActionProductions]

Cheers mate. Some interesting information you have provided that will benefit all. Thanks for watching.

[@Troffy21]

Best rifle cleaning vid on KZbin

[@BoltActionProductions]

Thanks Andrew. It’s just the way I do it, really nothing special.

[@davidkeep6526]

A couple of tips for exterior surfaces. And they won't be news to most ! If you buy a working gun thats not destined to be a family heirloom, pull it apart from new, wipe it down with Metho and then paint it with VHT automotive paint. Will last for years and make metal surfaces maintenance a breeze! CRC Guncare is brilliant ,if hard to find, for all bits of a firearm. Wood and metal alike. 😎👍

[@BoltActionProductions]

Thanks for the input Dave. Always like to listen to other methods......

[@momouppa]

Great video as per usual gave me a few new ideas, everyone has a different way of doing things, I have even heard a school of thought of leaving in a little bit if copper fouling helps with accuracy. Tiborasaurusrex has a good video on the subject.

[@BoltActionProductions]

Thanks mate. Each rifle really has its own characteristics. Some don't shoot much different after a clean and others throw the first shot or two. The most important thing is you know these individual characteristics for each rifle and shoot/clean accordingly. Keeping the rifle family in good shape can sometimes be a challenge.

[@oliash92]

as always great video!

[@BoltActionProductions]

Thanks mate

[@claverton]

Have you tried the Eds Red Bore Cleaner? If you like DIY then this is the stuff. Apparently it's as good as Hoppes #9 but you can make it up for a tiny fraction of the price. I mixed up some this week and I love it. I saw a 20ml bottle of Hoppes #9 at the gunshop for $20. You can mix up 4 lites of Eds Red Bore Cleaner for well under $50. The formula is basically: * 1 part automatic transmission fluid (ATF Dexron 3) * 1 part kero * 1 part mineral turps And that's it. I bought low odour kero and turps from Bunnings which are a lot more expensive than the normal variety, but still very cheap. The actual formula also includes acetone and lanolin. Acetone unnecessary IMO unless you're using a shotgun (it disolves plastics). I bought a 5 litre container today of Lanox for the lanolin part so will be putting a litre of this in the batch tomorrow. I saw somewhere that adding the lanolin to the brew increases the rust protection from a few weeks to a few years. 5 litres is a lot of lanolin but there's no shortage of uses for it. I bought mine from Whitworths, the boat chandlery. It's not just good for guns, it's good for everything. Rusty old tools loves the stuff. I've been painting it on them and it transforms them.

[@BoltActionProductions]

I know about it but have never worried about making it myself. May look into it in the future. Thanks for your input mate👍

[@darrenwilliamsweeney865]

hey Steve I've found over the years using little squares of chux with solvents than patch it out.

[@BoltActionProductions]

Sounds like it works well. Thanks for sharing........

[@susanalavea2530]

I love your videos

[@BoltActionProductions]

Good Stuff

[@lukemcintosh5108]

Another cracking vid Steve, do you use a specific brand of silicone socks for your rifles?

[@BoltActionProductions]

Thanks Luke and no not really.

[@stevedee4101]

Nice video Stevo. I always thought that a bit of copper in the rifling was actually good for the accuracy of your rifle. I've heard it said that after cleaning the copper from a rifle barrel that it may take one or two shots for it to shoot accurately again what's your view on this one mate?

[@BoltActionProductions]

Thanks mate and yes that can be the case. Each barrel has its own traits and in reality you will never get every bit of copper out of the rifling. IMO a barrel is like a dirt road. Grade it a little often and you will never be bothered by the corrugations

[@foxbyfoot]

Great Video Steve as always!! What online store did you recommend again?

[@BoltActionProductions]

I buy my cleaning products as in brushes/rods/patches directly from Dewey. deweyrods.com/ I just checked and I see BRT still carry Possum Hollow Bore Guides and Pro Shot cleaning rods. brtshooterssupply.com.au/categories/rifle.html Both companies have been great to deal with but BRT is an Australian Company

[@IntotheMountains]

geez Robbo, your supposed to keep stroking your barrel to a private audience mate! lol Awesome info as there is so many options out there. well done.

[@BoltActionProductions]

When cleaning your barrel it always helps to give a quick fifty off the wrist😂🤣😁

[@IntotheMountains]

Bolt-Action Productions 😂😂😂😂

[@justinandmeganwhite6368]

G’day Steve, thanks for the great vid, mate unfortunately Nulon Air intake cleaner ( foaming) has been discontinued, could you please recommend another product that would do the same job. Also I’m having trouble finding wipe-out patch-out, could you please put me on the right track. Once again cheers

[@BoltActionProductions]

Well mate you have burst my bubble there. I knew "Wipe-out Patch out" was very hard to get now but I had no idea about the Nulon Air Intake cleaner. I better buy up when I find some

[@goswo]

Great vid. I find its not a good idea to use a really strong solvent that clean out “everything”. I think I go for a 90%’ish cleaning. I found my barrrel shoots best with i bit of “copper in the micro holes” in the barrel, or what ever it is. Thats my barrel break in :-)

[@BoltActionProductions]

Thanks mate and very true. Each barrel is different. My match grade stainless barrels shoot at their best when they are totally clean. Most of the factory barrels are better sighted/tested with a few rounds through them first.

[@susanalavea2530]

Your videos are that good

[@BoltActionProductions]

Glad you like them!

[@susanalavea2530]

Na their that good

[@AdamLeePhoto]

Very helpful video! Thanks! Any recommendations on where to buy Wipe-Out Patch-Out?

[@BoltActionProductions]

Glad it helped Adam. Wipe-out Patch-out locations? I haven't needed to buy for some years now so I couldn't give you an accurate location of supplies or quantities at the moment. I will keep my ear to the ground and let you know if I locate any.

[@AdamLeePhoto]

Thanks. I’ve found it impossible to locate any in Oz and shipping restrictions prohibit ordering from the US. I’ve emailed the manufacturer to see if they can help.

[@BoltActionProductions]

Yes Adam it can be a pain in the butt to get. That is why I bought a larger than normal supply when I had the chance

[@TheEnufzed]

Hi Robbo, Hope you're doin well. Could remind me please what you use the Zippo lighter fluid for

[@BoltActionProductions]

Enufzed. Lubrication of your trigger after you have degreased it with Carby cleaner or similar. All good here mate👍

[@djgornall]

Great vid very thorough. But you have missed a massive part of the rifle cleaning process and one I feel is almost as important as cleaning the rifling. CHAMBER cleaning is so important . Any gunk and rubbish from the cleaning process needs to be removed. I've seen wild things happen with dirty chambers. Excessive pressure spikes. Huge flyers . General crap grouping. Nakered brass. Just a thought thats all. It's right at the top of my cleaning routines. Cheers

[@BoltActionProductions]

Thanks mate and yes I only brushed on the chamber cleaning, pardon the pun. LOL. You are correct in what you are saying but with most videos I try and keep it as brief and simple as possible. It's very easy to go on and on and before you know it you have a 60min video that majority are going to lose interest in. Many would have lost interest in this video after 5 minutes and majority of shooters/hunters don't even think about how to clean their rifles correctly. If you have a camera I would love to see your processes/methods on how you go about it. Let me know if you put something up. Cheers.

[@josiahstrahl8160]

Hey mate, I just purchased the Bergara BA13 in 308 Stainless and was curious if all these products you use safe on stainless or cerakote barrels? Cheers 👍

[@BoltActionProductions]

G'day mate. Sorry for the slow response. I have had no issues with stainless and only have one rifle that is cerakoted from the factory. That is the Lithgow LA101 which I haven't used all those products on at this stage. The biggest thing with any of these products used for cleaning is to remove all remnants, especially if you are using products like "Sweets". Enjoy your BA13👍

[@mikebarone4902]

Hey bud after you clean your rifle an oil it when you go out for a shoot or hunt dose the impact change or dose barrel need to foul up again thanks heaps

[@BoltActionProductions]

POI can change but by how much can vary between rifles. On most hunting rifles it isn't an issue

[@colinmckay615]

Have been enjoying your videos for some time now. I changed my cleaning to "frog lube" a couple of years ago now and haven't looked back. Have you seen or tried it?

[@BoltActionProductions]

Thanks Colin. I have heard of it but haven't tried it myself. So many products and most do the job well. I think the key is to work out what works well for you and stick with it. Might have to source some and give it a try .

[@colinmckay615]

After initial cleaning, the maintenance cleaning (after shooting) seems easier. You actually patch out / wipe off the product for storage. So there is no patch out after storage before shooting. Corrosion resistance is awesome, it smells nice and is also a lubricant. Not that it would effect you much but is reasonably dust resistant. Keep the great variety of videos coming. Thanks

[@damo250f]

How often would you take the action out of stock to clean and oil all over mate. Good informative vid to by the way👍

[@BoltActionProductions]

Thanks mate. Very good question with no one answer. It really depends on what the rifle has been subjected to. My deer hunting rifles that can cop a fair flogging would be disassembled completely if they get a good soaking of rain or snow. The rifles that don't cop the weather extremes so much would be completely stripped maybe every 5-10yrs.

[@damo250f]

Bolt-Action Productions sounds pritty good to me mate. I use sweets but only when needing to remove all the copper but always put some hoppes #9 down it after wards to get it all out then oil. I reckon after watchen you use metho i think that be the go to now. 👍

[@fishing420ful]

Is that ready to shoot again?e.g no need to patch out the last coat of oil.And how often would you take stock off to clean under action e.g been hunting and it has rained.Cheers

[@BoltActionProductions]

If I have left any oil products in a centrefire rifles barrel I will dry patch it out before I take it away for a hunt. Just my procedure and doesn't mean it is gospel. To answer the second part of your question I will give the same answer as I gave earlier as "OzzieOutdoors" asked a similar question. "Very good question with no one answer. It really depends on what the rifle has been subjected to. My deer hunting rifles that can cop a fair flogging would be disassembled completely if they get a good soaking of rain or snow. The rifles that don't cop the weather extremes so much would be completely stripped maybe every 5-10yrs."

[@fishing420ful]

Cheer's mate,thank's for the reply

[@georgetzikas1448]

where do you get your ez ox oil from steve is there some one melb thats keeps it

[@BoltActionProductions]

George I wish I had an answer for you. It’s become as rare as rocking horse shit. If you ever find any please let me know.

[@SpAceProductions100]

What about the inside of the action where the bolt moves I like to clean it as well

[@BoltActionProductions]

Yep, that gets the odd bit of love every now and then as well.

[@SpAceProductions100]

Bolt-Action Productions also that Nulon stuff you use has changed names I cannot remember the new name but next time I clean the guns I will update this post

[@shalininaicker]

Do you ever use bore snakes?

[@BoltActionProductions]

Yes but only out in the field when I have nothing else. Very handy in the .17HMR in which I usually carry one in my pocket and run it through every 40-50rnds as they are shocking for powder fouling. I never use them for full cleaning of any rifle

[@theparadiddlydoo2771]

*Bolt-Action Productions* What type of rifle are you cleaning in this video and what type of scope do you use...? Excellent and thorough walkthrough as well mate :)

[@BoltActionProductions]

The rifle in this video is a Tikka T3 in 7mm Rem mag. The standard stock has been replaced with a Kiwi Composite carbon fibre long range. The scope in this video is a Swarovski Z5 3.5-18x44BT. Thanks for watching.

[@theparadiddlydoo2771]

@@BoltActionProductions No worries mate. I'm actually just getting into hunting myself and I'm trying to familiarise myself with everything. Cheers :)

[@erichuntter2437]

Cleaning your rifling can your point aim change?

[@BoltActionProductions]

It can for the first shot but how much depends on the individual rifle. Usually not an issue for a hunting rifle but it is worth noting on a long range rig.

[@erichuntter2437]

Bolt-Action Productions I think my rifling is getting clocked up way cooper, am going need give the Tikka a good clean and dibble check zero after the clean

[@danstevens2204]

Do you wear contacts when hunting? My glasses give me the shits trying to use bino’s

[@BoltActionProductions]

Not as yet mate. I only need my glasses for reading or working on things closer than 4ft. Distance vision is still pretty good thank god.

[@danstevens2204]

Bolt-Action Productions cheers I’m the opposite. Was thinking a vizla next but might get a lab instead!

[@dragonfire-jx7qx]

Great video I have just found your channel each to their own mate but I wouldn't be putting wd40 anywhere near a swarovski scope like that the paint work on that scope dosnt need any oil either its not going to rust its aluminum under that paint and neither does the outside of your rifle you wouldnt wont any droplets of oil or oil mist reacting with the coatings of your lenses just a wipe down with a dry rag is all that's required and a cold hammer forged barrell from either sako tikki will shoot well over a hundred rounds in my experience before fouling buy yourself a bore snake and leave it alone its not going to fall to bits in your cabinet

[@BoltActionProductions]

Thanks for the feedback mate. All the best for 2021.

[@dragonfire-jx7qx]

@@BoltActionProductions great video all in all I usually don't comment on people putting them selves out their but I'd hate to see some young guy thats brought his first high grade scope and think its a good idea to wipe oil all over the outside of their scope

[@BoltActionProductions]

Maybe you should share your expertise more and get your channel up and about. We could do with as many hunting channels as possible on KZbin.

[@dragonfire-jx7qx]

@@BoltActionProductions I'm am defiantly no expert thats why I'm on your channel trying to learn new techniques in cleaning cheers

[@BoltActionProductions]

@@dragonfire-jx7qx. None of us are mate but everyone sharing their thoughts can spread the knowledge👍👍

[@delav83]

Rust and politicians are the biggest threat to your rifles.

[@BoltActionProductions]

Yep 🙄

[@lukemeyers1290]

What process do you use for .22s?

[@BoltActionProductions]

.22s? They shoot at their best when they are dirty. A little bit of oil as I demonstrated on the rifle itself and you are usually good to go. If you really want to clean the barrel do everything the same but just don’t worry about the copper solvent

[@lukemeyers1290]

Thanks a lot mate. Love your videos - it is great to get home, kick back & watch & learn your ways!!

[@BoltActionProductions]

Cheers Luke. Glad you enjoy them

[@susanalavea2530]

My name is Tyler but it’s my mums ipad

[@BoltActionProductions]

G'day Tyler. Where are you located?

[@susanalavea2530]

Black Creek road near Wagga in adelong

[@susanalavea2530]

I can sniff really good