Muzzle loader cleaning tips

[hickslawns]

As anyone that shoots a muzzle loader knows, they can be pretty picky if not properly cleaned. Hopefully this thread can be informative and we can all gain some ideas on the best care for our muzzle loaders.

Today I learned a new trick. I was having one heckuva time getting the nipple cleaned out. I tried my pick and it didn't do it. I tried a paperclip. Nada. I tried a safety pin. Little better, but not quite. I finally went out to the shop and was planning on trying the air compressor. I walked past my torch and the lightbulb went on! The torch tip cleaning tools worked perfectly! They are inexpensive and come in a kit with a variety of sizes. I started with the smallest one I could fit in there and worked my way up until I had it cleaned out all the way.

Hope this helps someone out. Happy hunting!

 

[CJD3]

That Omega should be following you around like a puppy by now.
You want to suffer, shoot a flintlock. lol

Good idea on the tourch tip cleaning tools.

 

[Archertl]

Thats a good idea ive always used pipe cleaners. The real ones not the ones you find at craft stores.

 

[Huckleberry Finn]

That is a good idea...like Archertl I've always used pipe cleaners.

 

[bowhunter1023]

You clean your nipples? I just suckle on them... :smiley_clap:

 

[Beentown]

Bore Butter. I think seasoning a muzzleloader helps alot with cleaning. Especially with running patches between shots.

 

[jagermeister]

I'll second the pipe cleaner and bore butter tips.

I clean my muzzy by filling a sink with hot soapy water... stick the end of the barrel in the water... then run a thick patch on the ramrod in and out of the breech end of the barrel. Suction results and causes the soapy water to be flushed in and out of the barrel. When using triple7, this method pretty much gets the job done without the need for any powder solvents.

 

[CJD3]

My TOP SECRET formula for cleaning black powder.

1/3 Murphy's Oil Soap
1/3 Rubbing Alcohol
1/3 Hydrogen Peroxide

Simple household stuff and I havent bought a cleaning solvent in 20 years ( for my smoke pole)
I swear by it guys!

 

[Beentown]

My TOP SECRET formula for cleaning black powder.

1/3 Murphy's Oil Soap
1/3 Rubbing Alcohol
1/3 Hydrogen Peroxide

Simple household stuff and I havent bought a cleaning solvent in 20 years ( for my smoke pole)
I swear by it guys!

Me TOO! Then I dip my head in it just to see what it does to my hair. lol

 

[CJD3]

Whats it do?
Tell us more

 

[Beentown]

Check the top of the head...thats what it does

 

[CJD3]

Gives me fresher breath. (and makes gargling fun again)

 

[hickslawns]

I agree on the bore butter. However, I am done with bore butter until it is time to clean at the end of the season. For now, I am running the brush down the barrel and using dry patches to clean between shots. I find whenever I use bore cleaning solvent or bore butter, it actually throws it off a bit until I get a couple rounds through it again.

 

[Beentown]

I just use it to "season" the barrel. There is no need to use bore butter every cleaning.

 

[Diablo54]

lmao

Gives me fresher breath. (and makes gargling fun again)

 

[Mike]

As anyone that shoots a muzzle loader knows, they can be pretty picky if not properly cleaned.

Mine's not.:smiley_arrogant: