Do You Use Airgun Cleaning Pellets?

[BenjeneerJohn]

We shoot them regularly in all platforms. I am not sure how well they "clean" a barrel though. I think they help clear lead flake or debris from pellets.

We also run them with a pellet backer. With the Marauder for example, we open the bolt, insert the cleaning pellet and closer the bolt. We then open the bolt and insert a lead pellet, close the bolt and fire the rifle. The pellet backer helps to compress the cleaning pellet into the lands and grooves better and it reduces the noise vs just shooting a cleaning pellet.

Cleaning pellets are also a good way to add lubricant or protective oil to your barrel.

We have never had an issue with a cleaning pellet hitting baffles or moderators.

John

 

[Soren Drost]

Søren, thanks for that! How often do you use them? Do you see or detect much difference? Have you used them in guns with a silencer?

Usually I use them at the range, when I am testing or switching between different types of pellets or slugs

I do not remove the silencer and have never had any issues, when inserting a pellet or slug behind the cleaning one before firing

 

[LBeak]

If so, what's your experience with them? Do they work? Do they become caught in silencer baffles?

We're planning to run a HAM test on cleaning pellets, but I just want to get your opinions before we start.

None of the HAM Team members have ever used them, so we're starting from scratch here.

Thanks in advance

I Use them when in the field hunting. They are easy to carry in an empty pellet tin. I usually soak the first one in ballistol,then shoot 4 dry ones . Some times a pair of

needle nose pliers are needed for loading in magazine air rifles,as I have thick fingers. I haven't had any problems with them sticking in moderators yet. They're loud and will go through a cardboard box,so be careful when using them.

 

[Farhad ss]

Hi shooters,

I have FX Panthera 700, .22 cal. I sometimes use cleaning pellets when using a cleaning kit with patches that are out of rich. Firstly, I decrease hammer tension to MIN and then shoot 3-4 cleaning pellets. You may add a few drops of solvent that you always use. If necessary, you can also place two cleaning pellets in the barrel simultaneously for optimal results. It's much easier to use cleaning pellets in difficult-to-reach locations. But do not forget to remove the silencer before doing this.

Good luck,
Farhad

 

[Scriv]

I've used them some. Never had an issue hanging one up. In a springer I put two or three in at a time to cushion the shot. They seem to clean things out ok, probably not as much as a series of patches. I would be interested in the result of your test.

 

[Dogowski]

I've used them some. Never had an issue hanging one up. In a springer I put two or three in at a time to cushion the shot. They seem to clean things out ok, probably not as much as a series of patches. I would be interested in the result of your test.

The cleaning pellets seem to work fine in all the break barrels I've owned over the years for a quick clean after a shooting session. I just don't use them in my PCP rifles that don't have a removable moderator. Cleaning patches, Balistol, and a pull through system is the preferred way for me and probably most air gunners on this forum.

 

[Farhad ss]

If so, what's your experience with them? Do they work? Do they become caught in silencer baffles?

We're planning to run a HAM test on cleaning pellets, but I just want to get your opinions before we start.

None of the HAM Team members have ever used them, so we're starting from scratch here.

Thanks in advance

Hello there,

Cleaning pellets are generally not meant to replace cleaning patches. However, they can be useful in situations where traditional methods, such as rods, patches, or tables, etc., are difficult to use.
There are several precautions and instructions to consider before using cleaning pellets:

1. Remove the moderator (silencer) if you are unsure that the pellet may be caught in the baffles.
2. Reduce the power of airgun if available. The high-power airgun produces a very loud sound when firing a cleaning pellet. Also, it may not clean the barrel properly with high-speed shooting.
3. Shoot 2-3 cleaning pellets by applying the preferred solvent. Then shoot 2-3 dry cleaning pellets.
4. Remember to aim toward a safe area.

I have a FX Panthera .22 with a 700 mm barrel, so I can easily reduce the power before shooting.
It works very well.

Thanks,
Farhad

 

[Dogowski]

Hello there,

Cleaning pellets are generally not meant to replace cleaning patches. However, they can be useful in situations where traditional methods, such as rods, patches, or tables, etc., are difficult to use.
There are several precautions and instructions to consider before using cleaning pellets:

1. Remove the moderator (silencer) if you are unsure that the pellet may be caught in the baffles.
2. Reduce the power of airgun if available. The high-power airgun produces a very loud sound when firing a cleaning pellet. Also, it may not clean the barrel properly with high-speed shooting.
3. Shoot 2-3 cleaning pellets by applying the preferred solvent. Then shoot 2-3 dry cleaning pellets.
4. Remember to aim toward a safe area.

I have a FX Panthera .22 with a 700 mm barrel, so I can easily reduce the power before shooting.
It works very well.

Thanks,
Farhad

Great tips and welcome to the forum!

 

[MountainSportAirguns]

Cleaning pellets work but imo not anything close to a full cleaning with a rod and brush. They are ok for in-between maintenance out in the field where we are limited with time and maybe accuracy has fallen off. A cleaning pellet most likely won't get into the grooves that can get caked over with lead from shooting slugs and a wide variety of pellets. Modern airgun barrels are not as delicate as I think many people are under the assumption of. I'm sure we have a few exceptions, especially with vintage models.