White flakes in new barrel

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White flakes in new barrel

Post by flap » 27 Dec 2013, 9:55 am

Hi guys,

New shooter here and one of my rifles is a .22

I'm confused with something I found in my barrel after the first shoot.

First thing when I got the rifle was I gave it a good clean. Got all the grease and everything out of it and looks through to see it was all shiny. Definitely nothing in there.

After a couple of shots I noticed there was a little white flake of something in barrel at the bolt end. Figured something blue in there, no big deal...

Walking back from putting targets up though a bit later I noticed there was some a bit hanging off the muzzle too. Seems to always be a bit hanging around.

What's causing this ? :?
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Re: White flakes in new barrel

Post by Chronos » 27 Dec 2013, 10:57 am

most likely just flakes of the wax used to lube rimfire ammo, some pics might be good to help diagnose these flakes. when you cleaned it new did you use any kind of solvent? shellite, metho etc

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Re: White flakes in new barrel

Post by BBJ » 27 Dec 2013, 12:23 pm

I'd say Chronos is right, just wax from your ammo.

If you feel a couple of different types of 22 bullets you'll feel some feel dry, and some feel real slippery due to the wax.

Try a couple of different kinds of ammo and I reckon you'll find it goes away, or stays with others. Not a big deal.
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Re: White flakes in new barrel

Post by Chronos » 27 Dec 2013, 2:20 pm

Next time collets done flakes and put a match to them, they will melt if they are lube wax.

Could be unburnt powder? I'm not sure what kind of powder kernels rimfire ammo uses, flakes or not

Is there's a small chance they are lead? Check the chamber/throat for burrs

In all honesty I'd say its lube wax that melts during the shot then hardens in the bore and flakes off when cool so I wouldn't be too worried

By the way how's it shoot ?

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Re: White flakes in new barrel

Post by flap » 27 Dec 2013, 2:55 pm

Thanks for the replies guys.

Didn't take any pictures at the time soz. Next shoot I will take some.

Now that you've said it to me, wax sounds right. I didn't think of it at the time, but it make sense that that's what it was.

Thanks again. Will post back when I can.
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Re: White flakes in new barrel

Post by Swarm » 28 Dec 2013, 3:17 pm

Sounds like wax debris for sure.

Take a picture and post it for clarification if you like, but I wouldn't worry.

From what you've said, 99% sure it's just bullet wax.
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Re: White flakes in new barrel

Post by brand » 28 Dec 2013, 3:28 pm

This is the kind of thing that would drive me insane :lol:

Aaaaargh! I've broken my rifle with white stuff! :D
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Re: White flakes in new barrel

Post by Bourt » 28 Dec 2013, 5:35 pm

Relax guy, it's just wax ;)
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Re: White flakes in new barrel

Post by flap » 29 Jan 2014, 10:16 am

You guys were right as expected.

Took it out again and this time fished a bit of the stuff out of the barrel.

Just wax :D

The new toy is safe :D
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