[GBullet]

22 lr cleaning question/ Possible damage to barrel?

I finally went out today and shot my Ruger 10/22 for the first time since installing a thumbhole stock and Green Mountain 20" SS fluted barrel.
The results were impressive with most groups being one ragged hole at 50 yards.
When cleaning time came I ran a brass jag with patch and brass rod through the barrel and removed metal shavings! I was very careful around the crown but the jag seemed to hit a "rough spot" about 2 inches into the muzzle. I have always heard brass will not damage stainless barrels because it is softer than the barrel material. Is this true or have I damaged my barrel?
I tried shining a light into the muzzle but the diameter is so small I couldn't tell anything.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Jackie Lapradd

Jackie, nothing is wrong with your barrel.

Green Mountain barrels with which I am familiar have cut rifling. This type of rifling has sharpe edges which provide excellent accuracy.

All .22LR barrels lead, some more than others. The rough spot you have described is indicative of a leading region. Both the lead and the brass brush are softer than the barrel and will not harm it. A cleaning product called "Bore Snake" is one of the best for removing leading. It's about $15. The downside of this product is that you must keep it away from soil or grit; keep it very clean and replace it often. Several respectable manufacturers make chemical lead removers, too.

In my experience, all .22LR bullets can leave lead in the barrel, even the copper plated ones. However, copper plated lead bullets lead a lot less than unplated bullets.

I hope you will stop by my forum (my play pen) here at ArmsLocker. It's called GBullet's Place.

 

[JackieLapradd]

Whew! I feel much better after your reply!
Thanks for taking the time to respond to my question.
I have seen the Bore Snake cleaning device before so I will take your advice and purchase one. How often would you use it?
You are right about the accuracy of this barrel. As I said most groups consisted of one ragged hole at 50 yards. The Squirrels don't have a chance now!
Thanks again
Jackie

 

[GBullet]

Just spray a cleaning solvent on the "snake" and run it through the barrel a few times after shooting. You don't even need to strip the rifle. Also, take a solvent soaked patch on your finger tip and wipe the muzzle.