Cleaning the Bore?

[Hylander]

I hear Balistol mentioned alot.
But how are you apply it, is there a prefered pull through rope/cable?
And what about Balistol effecting orings and such.
Would like to hear your method

 

[pan60]

I use a cleaning rod and a patch just put a little on the patch, ( but I would think you could use a string or something ) as I understand its safe so no worries with o-rings.
I use it and dont give a second though so far never an issue.
when I do a good clean I have a cloth I put a bit on and go over the whole gun.

 

[Billm]

I hear Balistol mentioned alot.
But how are you apply it, is there a prefered pull through rope/cable?
And what about Balistol effecting orings and such.
Would like to hear your method

It’s not petroleum based and is safe for o-rings, personally I hate the smell, but it works. I use one of these carbon fiber rods with the swiveling handle. A lot of people use “Patch Worm’ pull-throughs.

 

[Ezana4CE]

I hear Balistol mentioned alot.
But how are you apply it, is there a prefered pull through rope/cable?
And what about Balistol effecting orings and such.
Would like to hear your method

@Hylander Here’s a decent resource thread with videos to give you a better idea of barrel cleaning methods.

Basic Airgun Resource Thread

Feb 7, 2025

Perhaps you’re new to airguns or just want to learn more about them. I figured it may be helpful to compile some threads, articles, and videos explaining how various types of airguns work. I’ll add to this thread from time to time. Feel free to contribute useful tutorials, instructional, informational threads, articles, or videos related to airguns, their components, and how they function.

Pre-Charged Pneumatic Airguns (PCPs):

“How A PCP Works” video by AirArmsHuntingSA

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“Learn How Regulated PCPs Work” this explains the difference in performance...

• Ezana4CE
• Replies: 1
• Forum: General Discussion

• 
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Look under the maintenance section.

 

[FL22]

I hear Balistol mentioned alot.
But how are you apply it, is there a prefered pull through rope/cable?
And what about Balistol effecting orings and such.
Would like to hear your method

I use patch worm kits, when you buy a new kit it already comes with Balistol soaked patches.

I also have a Dewy rod that I’ve used for cleaning when I’m already polishing a barrel.

The Patch worm kits are multi caliber .22 .25 .30 and a dedicated .177 kit.
They work very well and are great for field use.

Dewy rods are caliber specific and nylon coated I believe. To me they’re the gold standard for a polishing rod.

 

[Hylander]

Thanks all !
I'll order a patchworm kit.
I do have a 17 cal. coated rod.
Going to a gun show today, there is supposed to a vendor there that is an airgun guy.
I'll see if I can find any goodies

 

[Solo1]

Everyone should have either a brass rod or a coated rod for pushing a pellet through the barrel. This is the only way to have any indication of the condition of the inside of your barrel without a bore scope. If you push a pellet through and feel rough spots you know you need to polish these areas so you get better accuracy and longer cleaning intervals.

 

[Ezana4CE]

Everyone should have either a brass rod or a coated rod for pushing a pellet through the barrel. This is the only way to have any indication of the condition of the inside of your barrel without a bore scope. If you push a pellet through and feel rough spots you know you need to polish these areas so you get better accuracy and longer cleaning intervals.

Wooden dowels are also helpful, but it depends upon caliber.

 

[Danman]

I hear Balistol mentioned alot.
But how are you apply it, is there a prefered pull through rope/cable?
And what about Balistol effecting orings and such.
Would like to hear your method

Heard about it on Ham myself when I got back into Airguns 3 years ago (as Covid wound down) Couldn't hardly find any so I ended up buying 3 aerosol cans when it finally was back in stock lol.... good for years to come now. Like Franks Red Hot I put that **** on evra-thang! Been using it as a pellet lube currently on my Ghosts Mrds, but it does thickens up in the cold, also as a barrel cleaner, wood/steel coating after a shooting session, etc. Not my first choice for an o-ring lube, but it won't damage them
Love the aerosol can with straw...I spray some right in barrel and then pull a few dry patches with P-worm kit and repeat.

 

[Madhatter]

I'm pretty sure Balistol is just water soluble oil. It is mineral oil according to Balistol and you put mineral oil in water in won't emulsifies but Balistol does.

 

[Hylander]

This the correct one?

 

[FL22]

This the correct one?

View attachment 17148

Yes, but I personally will not use it in spray form.

 

[Billm]

I also use the non-aerosol, not that it’s better or worse. I just dip the patch into it.

 

[Solo1]

Gunzilla works well too and doesn’t stink like ballistol

 

[Hylander]

Yes, but I personally will not use it in spray form.

What form and why?

 

[BanjomanMI76]

Have a plastic straw at the ready to bypass the baffles on your LDC

 

[Hylander]

Gunzilla works well too and doesn’t stink like ballistol

Is safe for the seals and orings?

 

[FL22]

What form and why?

It put me in a coughing fit in non-aerosol form so I can only imagine how bad spraying would be.

 

[Hylander]

What about Kroil ?

 

[pan60]

What about Kroil ?

great stuff but I wouldn't use in a airgun.
I guess you got it all mopped out it would be okay but Kroil is really more a penetrating oil as I recall? that what I use it for in the shop anyway