Cleaning Rod Sizes

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kbm6893

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This is going to sound stupid and I admit I never thought about it. I have a carbon fiber cleaning rod that I use in all my rifles, .22, .223, 9MM, and .30-06. It’s thin and slides in and out easily. When I put a brush on the end it is tight but I know it should be. The rod bends as it should as I push it through. While browsing midway I see rods come in different calibers. The one I have must be a . 22 cal since it fits all the other larger calibers. I always thought it was the size of the patch that fills the bore that matters. My guns are all meticulously cleaned so I’m just checking to see if I am doing something wrong.
 
The cleaning rod manufacturers would like for you to buy a caliber specific rod for every caliber firearm you own! I use a 17 caliber for 17’s and 22 and 30 caliber rods for everything else!
 
Ruger 1 said:
The cleaning rod manufacturers would like for you to buy a caliber specific rod for every caliber firearm you own! I use a 17 caliber for 17’s and 22 and 30 caliber rods for everything else!
Click to expand...

So you use a different rod in your .22 then the one in your .30? Would using the .22 be an issue in the .30? It would certainly fit.
 
I use the same rod in 22 rifles, 270, 308 and 350 Remington Magnum.

It’s worked for me for a very long time.
 
All my cleaning rods are Dewey brand.

For my CZ 453 American I use a .17 cal. rod (a .22 rod scrapes)

For the rest of my .22's I use a 22 rod

Anything larger than 30 caliber I use a 30 cal rod

For shotguns I use a solid Brass heavy duty rod.

For pistols I use a .22 rod BUT use larger loops & jags on that rod.
 
Use pro shot .20 cal on .22 rimfire and bore guides by possum hollow.Cz ejectors will scrape rods if not undersized and bore guide used or extractor removed.On handguns i use pro shot rod spinning handle for bores and a non spin handle for chamber and charge holes.Bass muzzle protector and lots of adapters.Take otis and stiff tooth brush to range to keep nasty 38 spec going.
 
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The issue with using a small diameter rod in a much larger bore, is that as you push the brush/patch through the bore, the rod will flex. Carbon fiber isn't likely to scar the rifling. If you somehow manage to break the rod while it's still in the bore, there'll be a problem getting the remains out. And yes, I've seen it happen with aluminum rods.

Break down and buy a .30 rod for your larger bored firearms.
 
I use coated Dewey rods; a .22 caliber for up to 7mms, and a .30 caliber for .30 caliber and larger. Use the right sized patches and these two rod sizes work well for almost everything.
 
I buy caliber specific rods for all my guns. Less slop in the barrel and less chance of damaging the rifling or the rod through excess flexing. In rifles I also use chamber specific bore guides. I also use rods with handles that swivel.

A true fit .22 rod is different for a .22 LR and a .224 as the bores are actually different, including a .22 magnum RF vs a .22 LR Rim Fire.

Bob
 
I'm reminded of an old saying, "its not the size of the wand that puts the rabbit in the hat, its the magic of the user". Entirely different subject, but I think it applies. I don't think you need a bunch of different rods. If your .22 rod bends a bit too much in your 30.06 then maybe a stronger one would help for your larger calibers, especially when you have a nice new bronze brush. Those can be pretty tough to push thru. Otherwise just go back to the basics, keep running patches thru until you are satisfied.
 
One potential issue with an undersized rod is when you push the brush all the way out and as you come back it can allow movement which might damage the crown. Why skimp on getting a rod that is probably better for the job then saving a few bucks. Same with getting bore guides. Every time you let cleaning fluid down into your action, outside the chamber it has the potential of getting into the trigger etc. I use oversized cases for my rifles and as you can see in the one, there is a Dewey Rod and Lucas Bore Guide inlayed in the case. There is now a set in case of the first rifle.

Bob
 

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kbm6893, thanks and as others have mentioned, caliber specific is the way to go. I found with my Hoppes Elite 22 cal for the MSR, worked great but could tell it struggled on my .308 bolt action. I have 3 Hoppes Elite carbon fiber rods, 8 inch pistol .22 cal and it works well up to the .45 ACP. Then the .22 cal rifle size and the .30 cal rifle size. Patch size and quality is a new science I am learning!
 
I ordered a .22 cal and a .30 Cal rod today. That should cover my bases. I do have a 9MM rifle though. I’ll figure out which is better for that.
 
FWIW, I used a 3 piece aluminum rod most of my life for .22 to .458 and shotguns and never an issue. Following my past experiences I purchased a one piece carbon fiber rod of the same diameter. I’ve used it to clean .22 to .375 and 12 gauge without issue. Perhaps I am doing something wrong.
 
reddogs said:
Use pro shot .20 cal on .22 rimfire and bore guides by possum hollow.Cz ejectors will scrape rods if not undersized and bore guide used or extractor removed.On handguns i use pro shot rod spinning handle for bores and a non spin handle for chamber and charge holes.Bass muzzle protector and lots of adapters.Take otis and stiff tooth brush to range to keep nasty 38 spec going.
Click to expand...

Ruger Mark .22 pistols will chew up a .22 rod as well. I got a ProShot I think that is .204 in diameter.

I also made a receiver brass bushing from the .75" diameter to .25" so it will keep a rod reasonably centered, but I run my .204" rod on the left side of the .25 hole so it clears the ejector.
 
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I have two 3 pc rifle rods but also have a "Custom" .22 solid rod with a swivel handle, that I use on my "Bull barrel" 22-250 rifle for 300-500 shots
plus a chamber insert to protect the chamber, stock and muzzle.

I have used the long rod in my 270 & 30-06 rifles but am very careful not
to force it and maybe damage it, since it clears the bolt/muzzle area with ease.

The factory rod is just a little short and I can't use the chamber unit, since the rod is not long enoughto have the pacth exit the muzzle.

Just depends on how you want to clean your weapon.

Take care.
 
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