Help Needed- Muzzleloader Cleaning Products

[SmallGameAddict]

I have a CVA Optima muzzleloading rifle, .50 cal, stainless if it matters. Purchased a couple years ago, haven't fired it yet. It's my Plan C, for Late Muzzleloader, if I don't get a deer during Early Xbow or Regular season. Not really an enthusiast in the black powder dept.

I need knowledgeable help with what are good choices for the cleaning products. That's the main thing that has held me back from using it, besides other projects.

Was kinda hoping an enthusiast like @Robin or someone else could chime in, save me money on products that don't work, shortening the learning curve.

Anyone?

 

[kev74]

I'm not by any means an expert, but I use boiling hot water straight from the kettle for cleaning, then a light coat of Bore Butter.

 

[SmallGameAddict]

I'm not by any means an expert, but I use boiling hot water straight from the kettle for cleaning, then a light coat of Bore Butter.

Didn't know if muzzleloader cleaning had progressed beyond boiling water. Heard of bore butter before tho. Thanks for your input.

 

[Hillbilly77]

I think it depends a lot on the propellant you use.

For Pyrodex and Hodgdon 777 (Triple 7), I always used hot water and dish soap to scrub, then straight hot water to flush. Dry with a cleaning jag and clean patches until the patch comes out bone dry.
Finally treat the bore with bore butter. I always used T/C brand bore butter with good results.

@SmallGameAddict
Edited to add:
Another thought - With my CVA Wolf, I found it an absolute necessity to remove the firing pin and clean that too - again with hot soapy water then re-install with T/C thread anti-seize. Without doing this, the threads got crapped up and I had to remove the plug with a hammer and chisel, thus ruining the threaded plug. Luckily, CVA sent me the new one for free, but it was a lesson learned.
I assume your CVA Optima will be similar.

 

[SmallGameAddict]

I think it depends a lot on the propellant you use.

For Pyrodex and Hodgdon 777 (Triple 7), I always used hot water and dish soap to scrub, then straight hot water to flush. Dry with a cleaning jag and clean patches until the patch comes out bone dry.
Finally treat the bore with bore butter. I always used T/C brand for butter with good results.

Appreciate the input. Pretty sure ima use White Hots and Federal 209 primers.

 

[SmallGameAddict]

I think it depends a lot on the propellant you use.

For Pyrodex and Hodgdon 777 (Triple 7), I always used hot water and dish soap to scrub, then straight hot water to flush. Dry with a cleaning jag and clean patches until the patch comes out bone dry.
Finally treat the bore with bore butter. I always used T/C brand for butter with good results.

@SmallGameAddict
Edited to add:
Another thought - With my CVA Wolf, I found it an absolute necessity to remove the firing pin and clean that too - again with hot soapy water then re-install with T/C thread anti-seize. Without doing this, the threads got crapped up and I had to remove the plug with a hammer and chisel, thus ruining the threaded plug. Luckily, CVA sent me the new one for free, but it was a lesson learned.
I assume your CVA Optima will be similar.

Thanks for the (Edit) tip. I'll keep that in mind.

 

[Acer-m14]

hot water and soap .. btw a hot tub with a dash of bubble bath will work too .. so relaxing .. when you get out splash some hoppe's #9 and your good to go .. .. ( love potion #9 ) lol

 

[JohnD13]

Hot water has worked as long as there's been black powder. But, Ballistol is excellent for cleaning and preventing rust in and on your barrel. Personally, I'd avoid WD40 on b.p. guns.

 

[SmallGameAddict]

Hot water has worked as long as there's been black powder. But, Ballistol is excellent for cleaning and preventing rust in and on your barrel. Personally, I'd avoid WD40 on b.p. guns.

Agreed. I have had no use for WD40 for years

 

[soylentBlue]

Hot water has worked as long as there's been black powder. But, Ballistol is excellent for cleaning and preventing rust in and on your barrel. Personally, I'd avoid WD40 on b.p. guns.

One part Ballistol to two parts water for black powder.

 

[1911guy]

I don't do the ML thing, but a friend of mine says he cleans bp residue out with peroxide and that it is the best solvent. Passing this on so someone knowledgeable can comment.

 

[JohnD13]

I don't do the ML thing, but a friend of mine says he cleans bp residue out with peroxide and that it is the best solvent. Passing this on so someone knowledgeable can comment.

I recall a mix, equal 3rds of peroxide, alcohol and Murphy's Oil soap. Cleaned blackpowder well, just don't cork it up tight and leave in the sunshine, the rumor mill claimed a few exploding bottles.

2 to 1 Ballistol and water is the right mix, works great.

 

[Robin]

I have no knowledge of modern "Muzzle loaders?", and while I have an inborn interest in learning things, this isn't even a stealth blip on my radar.
Robin

 

[repete]

I have no knowledge of modern "Muzzle loaders?", and while I have an inborn interest in learning things, this isn't even a stealth blip on my radar.
Robin

I know you're old school, but have you heard about the 'new' tech called percussion caps? you place them on something called a nipple and it takes the place of the pan and flint!

 

[SmallGameAddict]

I have no knowledge of modern "Muzzle loaders?", and while I have an inborn interest in learning things, this isn't even a stealth blip on my radar.
Robin

Oh. Thought I saw you post them and discuss before. My mistake.

 

[Uninformed and Compliant]

My favorite cleaning product is a thing called "Blackhorn 209". Then just use a single pass with your boresnake and some standard CLP when the day is over.

Granted, some consider it to be cheating.

 

[SmallGameAddict]

My favorite cleaning product is a thing called "Blackhorn 209". Then just use a single pass with your boresnake and some standard CLP when the day is over.

Granted, some consider it to be cheating.

Nothing wrong with pushing the Easy Button.

 

[Robin]

I know you're old school, but have you heard about the 'new' tech called percussion caps? you place them on something called a nipple and it takes the place of the pan and flint!

Yes, Have, but I gave them up when I hit poobertie.
Robin

 

[Chevusa]

I always thought Ballistol was the thing to use for this.

"Ballistol cleans and removes all types of bore fouling. Cleaning with Ballistol will save you time, minimize the need for brushing, and also form a protective film on your firearm. Due to its slight alkalinity, Ballistol neutralizes and dissolves black powder and corrosive ammo residue. In addition, Ballistol will beautify gun stocks, and prevent them from drying out. As a lubricant, Ballistol will never gum up or harden. With Ballistol, your entire firearm will stay lubricated and protected."

"Due to its alkaline character, Ballistol is ideal for cleaning and maintaining black powder firearms. The residues from black powder in chambers and bores are acidic. Ballistol neutralizes and dissolves them. This eliminates the need for aggressive solvents.
Since Ballistol emulsifies with water, mix one part Ballistol and two parts water to make one of the best black powder solvents available."

 

[Robin]

The real thing requires only water for cleanup.
75% potassium nitrate , 15% Carbon, and 10%sulfer
Robin

 

[SmallGameAddict]

The real thing requires only water for cleanup.
75% potassium nitrate , 15% Carbon, and 10%sulfer
Robin

Well, the good thing about water. It's cheap, and plentiful.

 

[JohnD13]

I have no knowledge of modern "Muzzle loaders?", and while I have an inborn interest in learning things, this isn't even a stealth blip on my radar.
Robin

I understand that, if it doesn't have a flint it's not interesting . And black powder substitutes just don't work as well without a "cap."