Stainless Steel Cleaning Rod Myth?

[TheFirearmEnthusiast]

Hey Guys,

I hope that everyone is enjoying a nice week end and I hope that everyone had a nice Easter

So to clean my rifle

I normally use a one piece cleaning rod (stainless steel) and I've never quite had any issues that I'm aware of..

I've read on EnoughGun and on other web sites as well that some people say that the stainless steel cleaning rod CAN damage the barrel of the rifle

However, I've never actually had or spoken to someone where a stainless steel cleaning rod actually did do some damage to the barrel of a rifle in real life..

So I'm wondering;

Can a stainless steel cleaning rod actually truly damage the barrel of the rifle? Or is that just a myth?

I personally do not think that a stainless steel cleaning rod can damage the barrel of the rifle if used with caution and care
Because like I said, I haven't had any issues with it that I'm aware of
But I'm just wondering what everybody thinks

Thank you in advance for your opinions regarding this topic

[TheFirearmEnthusiast]

Please note;

For those wondering

I have a "hoppe's 9" stainless steel one piece rod

[9.3x64]

I reckon you could damage a barrel with many different types of cleaning rods, if they are not used carefully. I have always used stainless Rods and have never noticed any damage or deterioration in accuracy.
I should add I have never used a bore guide either, though probably should.

[Chronos]

Lots of top target guys ONLY use a SS one piece rod. Coated rods collect carbon, and carbon rods are made of carbon.

Use the correct sized rod and a bore guide and your barrel will last exactly the correct amount of rounds. All barrels wear out

Chronos

[TheFirearmEnthusiast]

9.3x64;
Ah awesome
Yeah I’m the same as you, I’ve always used stainless steel cleaning rods also, and I also have never noticed any damage or deterioration in accuracy

Chronos;
Ah okay
The fact that lots of top target guys only use stainless steel cleaning rods, that makes me feel better about using a stainless steel cleaning rod also
I really like how strong and sturdy the stainless steel cleaning rods are
The fact that they don’t collect carbon, that’s obviously a plus too

Yeah I was looking into the bore guides
Once the lock down is over, I will probably buy a bore guide just to be extra safe
I like to look after my rifles well

Awesome
Thank you for your comments Lads

[TheFirearmEnthusiast]

Oh and one more thing Lads

Sometimes when I'm running the rod through the barrel of the rifle (with cleaning patches)

Sometimes it feels really tight..

I then have to use quite a bit of force to be able to get the rod to go through the barrel completely

Is that normal?

[9.3x64]

Oh and one more thing Lads

Sometimes when I'm running the rod through the barrel of the rifle (with cleaning patches)

Sometimes it feels really tight..

I then have to use quite a bit of force to be able to get the rod to go through the barrel completely

Is that normal?

I never force a rod down the bore as it might bend the rod and it may touch the side of the bore as it flexes.
Also by forcing it you may get it stuck, something best to avoid.
If it’s to tight withdraw it and use a slightly smaller patch.

[TheFirearmEnthusiast]

9.3x64;
Awesome
Thanks for the tip man
I'll try smaller patches next time
Thank you

[John]

If your using the rod correctly with the right sized patches it shouldn’t be overly hard to push down the barrel if you are pushing really hard the rod will bend get stuck I’d definitely invest in a guide it helps keep the rod straight I’ve had problems with some pre cut patches being to tight try some different brands or cut your own if you could be bothered

[TheFirearmEnthusiast]

John;
Thanks for your feedback man
I had a look at my rod, and it hasn’t bent so far (as far as I can tell)
It’s still really straight, so that’s good news
I’m using pre cut patches at the moment
They might be a tad too big
That’s probably why my rod ends up being stuck hence why I have to push harder and apply force
I’ll try to cut them up just a tad and I’ll see if that makes a difference
Thank you for your feedback
I will let you guys know how I go

[9.3x64]

John;
Thanks for your feedback man
I had a look at my rod, and it hasn’t bent so far (as far as I can tell)
It’s still really straight, so that’s good news
I’m using pre cut patches at the moment
They might be a tad too big
That’s probably why my rod ends up being stuck hence why I have to push harder and apply force
I’ll try to cut them up just a tad and I’ll see if that makes a difference
Thank you for your feedback
I will let you guys know how I go

[marksman]

l dont know about good quality polished SS cleaning rod but l would never use a SS brush in any of my bores

[Tiger650]

Most grades of SS are quiet soft and will do no harm to either carbon steel or SS bores, that said the rod should never touch the bore.
A bore guide is essential, high cost not essential.
Cutting correct sized patches from a roll of 4x2 is an acquired skill.
I have never used a SS bore brush and will not, bronze or nylon depending on requirement serves my purposes.
Note that some of the more aggressive cleaning solvents [Sweets 7.62 etc] are excellent for intended duty but a bronze brush contains copper which will give a very blue flannelette patch after a brush pass.
Regardless, I always finish with a couple of flannelette patches wet with metho and before parking the rifle a patch very lightly wet with with Remoil.
Bore cleaning methods and frequency opinions can start "flame wars" and such on less gentlemanly forums, the above is only what works for me.

[TheFirearmEnthusiast]

Awesome
Thanks for the advices gentlemen
It's always nice to hear what other people are doing to clean/maintain their firearms
I'm always keen to try different methods to experiment a little

[TheFirearmEnthusiast]

Hey guys

I just thought I would let you all know that I have cut my cleaning cloths just a tad

And that fixed my problem

The rod now travels through the barrel of the rifle very smoothly without needing force applied to it

Handy little trick to know
Makes cleaning the barrel a lot easier with a diminished risk of potentially damaging the barrel also
Perfect


Next step is to buy a bore guide and then I'll be 99% secure