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OLDSTER
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PPU lead is the worst. It's got to be in the alloy; their bullets must not be pure lead ?? Maybe a reloading expert can chime in.
REALLY NASTY LEAD DEPOSIT IN BARREL-HELP !!!
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PPU lead is the worst. It's got to be in the alloy; their bullets must not be pure lead ?? Maybe a reloading expert can chime in.
Walter Rego
Member
The recommendations here to use a Lewis lead remover or a piece of pure copper Chore Boy are sound.
I would not however blanket condemn PPU ammo as "eurotrash". I have fired PPU ammo in at least a half dozen handgun calibers with no issues what so ever.
It may just be that their .38 Special ammo wasn't a good match with your gun. The only lead bullets from PPU that I have fired were their .32 S&W Long wadcutters and Lead Round Nose .32 S&W Long, and I experienced no leading with those. Their FMJ auto pistol ammo works great.
I would not however blanket condemn PPU ammo as "eurotrash". I have fired PPU ammo in at least a half dozen handgun calibers with no issues what so ever.
It may just be that their .38 Special ammo wasn't a good match with your gun. The only lead bullets from PPU that I have fired were their .32 S&W Long wadcutters and Lead Round Nose .32 S&W Long, and I experienced no leading with those. Their FMJ auto pistol ammo works great.
Model 10-8
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I gummed up my S&W M&P 22 pretty good. Shame on me. I used the Hoppe's 9. Took about a hour to clean it all out. I got smarter after that.
1sg
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For excessive leading I use an Ultrasonic cleaner, some distilled water and Dawn dishwashing soap. Works great on any small parts that will fit into the basket. They are readily available, not that expensive and have all kinds of practical uses around the house. Obviously be sure to throughly dry then lightly oil before reassembly. Good luck...
Edit: ok, just reread the OP. Obviously an ultrasonic won't work for a fix barrel unless you have one large enough to fit the entire pistol. Sorry,
Edit: ok, just reread the OP. Obviously an ultrasonic won't work for a fix barrel unless you have one large enough to fit the entire pistol. Sorry,
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A S&W 686 2 1/2 inch was brought to me with a barrel so leaded I could not see lands and groves. I started with 45 caliber brush and solvent then Lewis Lead Remover. I used 2 patches to get barrel clean. This is a bunch of lead that came out of the and fell on my pant leg. I used a 22 caliber for comparison
Ditto this...
Velle
Member
I've used PPU in my pre model 10 and it doesn't lead. It leads like crazy in my wife's 637. It is an alloy a little harder than pure lead but not by much. A copper Chore Boy works.
Luvmine
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I'm thinking about picking up the Lewis Lead Removal. Since I already have plenty of rods, do I order just the kit with the rubber grommet, cone and patch size, or do I still have to order the whole kit? Sorry OP for sneaking a question in. Thanks
max503
Member
I keep a wad of Chore Boy and a length of weed eater cord in a medicine bottle in my shooting bag. Works for rifles and handguns. All I shoot is lead. Even in my 223's.
Leading generally comes from an incorrect barrel dia to bullet dia fit.
Leading generally comes from an incorrect barrel dia to bullet dia fit.
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OP
OLDSTER
Member
Decided to try the Chore Boy method. Stuffed both barrels ( 686-4 and 15-4) with Hoppes-soaked cotton ( a de-leading method I like) and set overnight. Found some copper Chore Boy at Ace hardware. Today wrapped a chunk around a cleaning rod and scrubbed the heck out of the barrels. VOILA-success !! I've never had lead "plating" come out of barrels in slivers like this before.
dfariswheel
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A standard rod "will" work, but the Lewis kit comes with a Tee handled rod that allows using the forcing cone cleaning tip.
Also the Lewis rod is wide enough to give support for the brass screens to prevent tearing out the brass.
I recommend just buying the complete kit and then buying the parts for other calibers.
ACORN
Member
A S&W 686 2 1/2 inch was brought to me with a barrel so leaded I could not see lands and groves. I started with 45 caliber brush and solvent then Lewis Lead Remover. I used 2 patches to get barrel clean. This is a bunch of lead that came out of the and fell on my pant leg. I used a 22 caliber for comparison
Years ago when I had my shop a couple brought a nickel K frame .38 to transfer ownership. Back then we had a 3 day wait. While we had it I looked down the bore and it honestly looked like the bore was plated and the plating was peeling everywhere. As a courtesy I took the Lewis Lead Remover to it. The gobs of lead that came out of it were unbelievable.
Luvmine
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Thank you!
pistolpete10
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Over the last 50 years I've had a couple guns that leaded very badly. The Lewis lead remover gets most of it out but I fine that the Copper Chore Boy will get it all out, there is also a treated cloth that will remove lead, don't remember the name for the cloth. (The Lewis doesn't get in the bottoms of the grooves). I also have used over sized brushes in cylinders and if the bbl is removable in semi autos. Never found a solvent that would dissolve lead. Mercury will dissolve lead but it's a dirty word now days. I don't know how we survived rubbing it on pennies to plate them.....
firearmsunlimited
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firearmsunlimited
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Skyhunter
Member
Being a long-time bullet caster and lead bullet shooter, I've used the over-sized brush and #9 solvent or Kroil to successfully remove any lead fouling from the bore of my handguns. But honestly, I learned long ago that properly sized cast bullets seldom lead the bore. I rarely have much of a leading problem.
This product has worked well for me to get the bore squeaky clean. It also helps to clean the area under the top strap.
Sorry for the lopsided photo - I don't know how to fix it!
WYT-P
Skyhunter
This product has worked well for me to get the bore squeaky clean. It also helps to clean the area under the top strap.
Sorry for the lopsided photo - I don't know how to fix it!
WYT-P
Skyhunter
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Look for a Lewis lead remover. I love them for clean up after shooting lead bullets.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I don't think I ever did use a Lewis Lead Removed kit.
A very long time ago an old timer told me something I never forgot. He said to use a copper remover to clean out the leading without excessively scrubbing the barrel. The copper removed will vet under the lead just like it does with copper and you can then clean as usual.
A very long time ago an old timer told me something I never forgot. He said to use a copper remover to clean out the leading without excessively scrubbing the barrel. The copper removed will vet under the lead just like it does with copper and you can then clean as usual.
I use the Lewis lead remover
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