Cleaning pellets?

[Alderman]

Good or bad? Issues with them? What is your cleaning method?

 

[MikeAndrews]

I have tried them but was not impressed. I typically use a patchworm system with balistol as a cleaner. Over the years I have tried many different systems both for air guns and firearms and find the patchworm works quite well.

 

[Cajun1024]

Patchworm all the way with VFG cleaning felts and Ballistol. Can get felts on E-Bay

 

[biohazardman]

Patchworm or standard rod. I have cleaning pellets but find they don't do much.

 

[bdzjlz]

I differ from the other opinions here. I too use the patchworm system and love it, but once I think everything is clean, I fire two cleaning pellets down range and based on what they look like when retrieved down range, I do believe they get anything left in the rifling cleaned out. A word of caution, if using in a springer double them up back to back to be sure you have enough spring resistance to not damage your rifle. Works perfectly 

 

[Guest]

I've used them but don't see much Impact. Sometimes I don't think cleaning is useful unless the barrel is super dirty.

 

[Albee]

For cleaning pellets or slugs I take two little plastic containers. Ones that wont be used for food any more. Warm water in both and I put a little dish soap in one. Then I put pellets in the soapy water first lightly move them around then transfer then to the clean water. Swish around lightly then put on a rag to dry. Once they are dry I spray them down with a light coat of silicon spray then store back in the tin. Make sure to clean the tin out though before. 

 

[triggertreat]

I use two old pickle jars. One for the Naphtha gas (Coleman stove fuel) to swish pellets around in and the other to pour the naphtha gas into after swishing. The gas will remove any wax, grease, etc. On the next round I switch jars to clean more. I pour the pellet on to a newspaper or an old t-shirt to evaporate, which is fairly quick. I lube them afterwards to prevent oxidation when stored, typically a thin layer of silicon oil. You would be surprised at how many lead flakes are removed on clean looking pellets. The wax removed is evident as well in the gas. All done safely outdoors or in a well ventilated area. It's much quicker and easier than soap and water, and more effective at cleaning, IMHO.