Anybody still use a Lewis Lead Remover?
- Thread starter Laketime
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Snapping Twig
Member
I don't use mine anymore either.
A few strands of copper Chore Boy wrapped around a bore brush works better for me.
A few strands of copper Chore Boy wrapped around a bore brush works better for me.
kbm6893
Member
I do. Nothing works better. Chore boy is a poor boys substitute and maybe one I would use if I Didn't own a Lewis. But why bother when I have the original?
There's nothing wrong with the Lewis lead remover, except:
1. $31 for the kit
2. $26 for caliber conversion kits
3. $0.35 each for the brass patches, that are also caliber specific.
A bag of Chore Boy copper cleaning pads costs about $2, and I have lots of old bronze cleaning brushes to hold a few strands of a copper cleaning pad.
Given that I shoot cast bullets in 5 different bore diameters, the Lewis approach is a little cost prohibitive.
1. $31 for the kit
2. $26 for caliber conversion kits
3. $0.35 each for the brass patches, that are also caliber specific.
A bag of Chore Boy copper cleaning pads costs about $2, and I have lots of old bronze cleaning brushes to hold a few strands of a copper cleaning pad.
Given that I shoot cast bullets in 5 different bore diameters, the Lewis approach is a little cost prohibitive.
Ordered one from Brownell's along with a range rod yesterday. May have shaken up my Mod. 10-5 last trip to the range.
Don't really mind spending a few bucks for a one time purchase.
Don't really mind spending a few bucks for a one time purchase.
Mickey D
Member
I only use mine on the forcing cone when shooting lead. CB down the barrel.
It's a great product to have when you need it.
Bkreutz
US Veteran
I still have one, but I haven't owned a .44 for a while. It sits in the "unused tool" section of the shop. (I've collected a lot of those over the years, I'm a tool junkie. I have a car door pin removal tool that I bought off the Snap On truck in 1969 and have never used it. Still in the original box. But you never know, I might need it someday. 
)
)
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
Years before the Lewis Lead Remover was introduced I was shown how to use 0000 steel wool (the finest grade). Used dry it will scrub off most surface deposits (powder residue, leading, even light surface rust) without scratching or damaging bluing, nickel plating, or stainless steel. A little bit wound around an old worn bore brush will make short work of just about anything stuck in the bore or chamber(s). Same approach with the addition of a little solvent will remove those stubborn crusty rings of crud in revolver cylinders quickly and easily.
Last time I purchased 0000 steel wool it came in a package with 6 or 8 large pads for a couple of bucks. That was probably 20 years ago and I'm still using that same package.
Anything that a good bronze bore brush or bristle brush won't seem to remove gets the 0000 treatment. I save my worn bore brushes in my gun cleaning box to use this way.
Last time I purchased 0000 steel wool it came in a package with 6 or 8 large pads for a couple of bucks. That was probably 20 years ago and I'm still using that same package.
Anything that a good bronze bore brush or bristle brush won't seem to remove gets the 0000 treatment. I save my worn bore brushes in my gun cleaning box to use this way.
Vulcan Bob
Member
While I was shooting commercial cast bullets it was a often used tool. Now that I'm shooting my own home cast bullets not so much but it's good to know it's there. The forcing cone and cylinder cleaning options are it's best feature.
1morethan8
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
"...is there a better alternative out there these days."
I stopped using cast or non-jacketed bullets!
I stopped using cast or non-jacketed bullets!
venomballistics
Member
I switched to Hi Tek and Powder coating on my cast lead.
I have no use for any lead removal method now.
In fact, I have bore brushes still in the packaging from nearly a year ago.
I have no use for any lead removal method now.
In fact, I have bore brushes still in the packaging from nearly a year ago.
My thinking also.....
Except that I've got a lot of conventionally lubed cast bullets stored up. But from now on it's either jacketed or coated.
PS A few years ago this question would have been answered by many yes votes. Not so much any more.
Except that I've got a lot of conventionally lubed cast bullets stored up. But from now on it's either jacketed or coated.
PS A few years ago this question would have been answered by many yes votes. Not so much any more.
Last edited:
venomballistics
Member
I noodled with that issue.
Powder coating and Hi Tek each have a few advantages over eachother.
One of the PC advantages is that it has better adhesion.
so, If you are so inclined, you may boil off the traditional lube in a pot of water then follow up with the piglet method of PC application.
Figured I'd put that one out there in case you just were not aware of it, and deem the benefits great enough to go through the trouble.
Aticus
Member
Yeah I still use mine. I won't be without it. However, what Lobo mentioned is going to get a try come spring.
I'm too cheap to shoot indoors and it's too cold for me at present.
I'm too cheap to shoot indoors and it's too cold for me at present.
I have one, with patch tips for 32, 38, 40 and 45. I like it a lot. Gets a lot of use when I shoot cast. My loads lead very little but it's a lot easier to get it off with one of these than anything else. My only complain is they don't make one for rifles, and I shoot a lot of cast in my 30 caliber rifles.
Bought one in .38 caliber in the early 1970's and still use it. Just have to periodically re-supply the brass patches. Especially good for keeping the forcing cone clean. Regular use in k frame 357 Magnums goes a long way to minimize the chance of cracked forcing cones.
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2006
- Messages
- 19,382
- Reaction score
- 30,432
I still use it monthly after 36 years and it is still the best at Lead removal - IMHO. Yea, the price has gone up but other than the Brass replacement screens it's a one time purchase - assuming you don't loose it.
My Dad once bought the Brass Screen material in a Bulk Roll and cut his own patches. I suppose one could still do that if they wanted to be bothered cutting out round shapes. I still have some of the bulk stuff left but usually just grab a pre-cut brass patch for the LLR. One day when I am really bored I'll cut the roll up.
My Dad once bought the Brass Screen material in a Bulk Roll and cut his own patches. I suppose one could still do that if they wanted to be bothered cutting out round shapes. I still have some of the bulk stuff left but usually just grab a pre-cut brass patch for the LLR. One day when I am really bored I'll cut the roll up.
Similar threads
