Should you use copper 22 ammo?

[beepar]

Hi guys,

Just wondering what peoples opinions are on using copper jacketed 22LR ammo over standard lead ammo.

If shooting copper jacketed ammo, do you still stick to the 'never clean a 22' philosophy?

Cheers.

[Baldrick314]

I clean my 22 any time I use it regardless of what type of ammo. I use copper ammo frequently and see no ill effects from using it provided you clean your rifle afterwarda

[kritch]

If I've read the right things it just means there will be copper fouling that will need to be cleaned out.

It can't be left like you can when shooting lead only ammo?

So I've read elsewhere anyway...

[Tinked]

The copper fouling is a point, other than that though what would the difference be?

It's still waxed/lubricated ammo that will be tonnes easier on the barrel than full bore stuff. Maybe it shortens barrel life a bit, but in a 22 you're still talking 10 of thousands of rounds or whatever with a maintained barrel.

[yoshie]

Cleaning frequency is the same ( if you do it a lot or not at all ) but you should introduce a copper solvent or solvent with a copper cutting action into your process. Copper has a habit of building up layer by layer and can cause issues ( accuracy and pressure) Rimfires are less prone to compared to centrefiles but it still affects them to a degree.

[Monty]

I think the bad vibe around copper plated ammo in 22's is mostly the result of people getting their facts mixed up. Based on comments I've read elsewhere anyway.

Person X reads that you don't clean a 22. Lots of people with lead ammo reporting 10,000 shots with no cleaning etc.

Person X shoots copper plated 22 then doesn't clean there barrel, copper residue build up and oxidises.

People shooting lead ammo don't have this problem, person X blames copper ammo for "rusting their barrel".

I've read more than a few misunderstandings of it with comments that suggest the above.

Like yoshie said, if you're getting copper fouling and it's affecting your accuracy, you obviously need to clean it.

If your experience with your rifle suggest there is no need to clean it, that's up to you.