Cleaning pellet (felt) with regular pellet behind it - bad idea?

[numbertwo]

I have read that 'firing' cleaning pellets through my .177 Weihrauch springers is not recommended, but is it possible to place a cleaning pellet in the bore, then place a regular pellet behind it & fire both (in one shot)? If not, what would be the recommended procedure for the use of cleaning pellets? Thread them onto a 'Patchworm' - type bore cleaning pull? What about placing multiple cleaning pellets into a bore & firing that package?

I don't presently have any cleaning pellets but contemplating acquisition of some - TIA

 

[survivor45]

What do you feel the advantages using cleaning pellets over standard patches is ?
If it’s your gun and regular maintenance is done to it. It should not take that many patches to clean the bore. If it’s an old gun. Maybe new to you. It will probably take lots of patches to clean.
And with patches you can see your cleaning progress. I guess if you recover the cleaning pellets you could see the results.
I made a patchworm style device with string trimmer line.
Lastly a quick search. 300 cleaning pellets are about $17.00
800 .177 patches are about $14.00.

 

[Triglav]

I personally wouldn't shoot cleaning pellets through any of my guns, but if you're already going to do it, then I'd suggest stuffing a couple o' more of them into the barrel, especially if the gun is powerful - over 12 ft/lbs. However, I definitely wouldn't shoot cleaning pellets through a moderated barrel, or otherwise through a barrel that's got a can at the end of it, because the cleaner could get stuck in some baffle and could therefore affect accuracy thereafter.

 

[d_denver]

I shoot 2 cleaning pellets with one regular pellet. Never had a problem even with moderator on.

 

[numbertwo]

I've never tried cleaning pellets, only patches using Patchworm and that has worked well for me.

I've been viewing various dealers websites contemplating my next pellet purchase package and thought a box of cleaning pellets might be added to the order.

@Triglav, good point on the moderated barrel - thanks!

@d_denver, is that 'one shot' with the 3 pellets?

 

[iAMzehTOASTY1]

I've contemplated them too...I mean if your losing accuracy at the range; sling a chunk of cleanng pellets through instead.of having to break out the patch stuff is the only advantage I can fathom so far for me

 

[Sqwirl57]

Save your money. Stick a q-tip in the barrel and load a pellet behind it. It does basically the same thing for 1/10 the price.

 

[ToddGeddes63]

If you have a moderator or air stripper attached the cleaning pellets will get caught inside and it will be a PIA to get out. Stick to the patches, they will do a much better job removing the lead deposits.

 

[Septicdeath]

I hardly ever have cleaned a pellet gun bore, unless the accuracy is off. Then it's the first thing I do. And use patches.

 

[Bear-of-Grayling]

I rarely clean my airgun bore. If accuracy falls off then in a last attempt to bring it back to a “zero” position, I’ll use a rod, brush, patches and a jag. I’ll soak a patch with Shooters Choice and rap it over a brush. One or two passes back and forth loosens up the lead. The patch is black. Then with the jag and many patches, finish the cleaning. With shooters choice I’ll get lead residue out continually for several patches. Now the bore is as new. How can a 1/4”, dry, cleaning pellet blasting through the bore at an incredible speed do anything to remove lead? Another Beeman money making scheme.

 

[Triglav]

I shoot 2 cleaning pellets with one regular pellet. Never had a problem even with moderator on.

You do you, but I'm sticking with patches.

 

[Billinoregon]

Yeah, cleaning pellets seem like a good idea at first glance, but not so much after thinking about it.

 

[maxtrouble]

I only recommend cleaning the barrel when accuracy degrades like a few others have stated. The only time I shoot is when I am at the range so it pays to be ready. Nothing worse than having a range trip ruined by a rifle that loses accuracy all of a sudden.

I recommend the Patchworm kits. Small enough to keep in the range bag along with a small bottle of Ballistol. Keep a plastic straw for baffles on PCP's and Bob's your uncle. Patchworm sells felt cleaning pellets in different calibers and they compliment the kit well when soaked in Ballistol.

20/20 Concepts PatchWorm

Maker of innovative shooting accessories

patchworm.com

 

[beerthief]

thanks just ordered a patch

 

[Deerstalker]

On my HW95L .22 I Use 40 lb mono with several old T-Shirt cut patches tied in with a simple overhand knot. I also remove the moderator when cleaning the bore which is after 1K to 3K shots. The overhand knot makes it easy to change/add patches. Remember Ballistol is your friend.

 

[d_denver]

I've never tried cleaning pellets, only patches using Patchworm and that has worked well for me.

I've been viewing various dealers websites contemplating my next pellet purchase package and thought a box of cleaning pellets might be added to the order.

@Triglav, good point on the moderated barrel - thanks!

@d_denver, is that 'one shot' with the 3 pellets?

Yes , one shot with 3 pellets

 

[Rudolph Hucker]

You can use cleaning pellets if you want to - patches and a bit of fishing line are better though.

If you do use the cleaning pellets in a springer, definitely put a pellet behind them - it stops the piston from slamming (and possibly damaging the piston seal when you fire).

 

[EliteAirCustoms]

One at a time isn't recommended. Too much like a dry fire. I don't think the pellet behind it is a great idea but semi unsure of my reasoning. More if a guy feeling. I put three cleaning pellets in at a time and have never had any problems. It adds enough back pressure to keep it from a dry fire.

 

[thane]

Shoot the cleaning pellets, then pull a patch and see what is left behind.

 

[Mycapt65]

Cleaning pellets are worthless. Airgun barrels seldom need cleaning. When they do, felt pellets aren't aggressive enough to do anything.

Traditional airgun barrels should be cleaned and polished when new to remove corrosion protectant and smooth machining burrs. After that they shouldn't need to be cleaned if you use soft lead pellets. If you use hard lead pellets like Crosman you'll need to occasionally clean the barrel due to fouling from the antimony content. Felt pellets will not remove hard lead fouling. Therefore felt pellets are useless.

I will clean and polish a barrel when I buy a used gun or do a tune for someone. After a good cleaning it can take a couple hundred shots before the barrel fouls (in a good way) and accuracy can be judged.

This is a very debated subjuct but this is what has worked for me. I have airguns that shoot very well and they haven't had their barrels cleaned in tens of thousands of shots since switching to soft lead brands.