Non-chlorinated brake cleaner

[WI357SIG]

Was at the range recently and struck up a conversation with a couple guys who were doing long range rifle shooting. They were occasionally cleaning the barrel on their rifles. They were touting the benefits of using non-chlorinated brake cleaner. They would then shoot the barrel “dry”. I mentioned that some schools of thought recommend a small amount of lube. They felt it took a couple rounds to clear the oil and it impacted accuracy.

I see frequent discussion here on cleaning products and what works best. I have never seen non-chlorinated brake cleaner mentioned.

Has anyone used this product to clean a barrel?

 

[da gimp]

I suspect that it is because in construction, our pipe fitters/plumbers always stressed to never allow any product containing bleach/chlorine to come into contact with any plumbing fitting or line made of stainless steel... as it can & will play havoc with it. Even such little amounts as are found in some dish detergents can do damage....

We mix common dish detergent & water and use it in a spray bottle to find leaks in natural gas/propane fittings/lines etc when assembling them. If you are using the good stainless braided lines or stainless tubing /pipes to plumb with, the chlorine in some detergents can eat into it...I always tell my lady to never buy any dish detergent with any chlorine/bleach in them...

They might be worried about the chlorine affecting stainless barrels, receivers or parts. This is the only thing I can come up with. Hope this helps you.

 

[H Richard]

I use the brake/parts cleaner to clean actions and parts, but not for barrels. Leaving the barrels totally dry, that cleaner removes all lube, could make them more susceptible to copper fouling or leading. On my rifles I store them with a wipe of lube in the bore, but run a patch through it to wipe out excessive amounts before shooting, then shoot at least 1 round to foul the barrel before shooting for score.

 

[e3mrk]

When I was a Mechanic I sprayed some regular Brake Cleaner on a plastic part and actually watched it disintegrate before My Eyes.
I only use Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner now for everything from Brakes to cleaning My Firearms.

 

[Rule3]

Non Chlorinated is highly Flammable It contains Acetone, Toluene and Methanol.

Chlorinated contains TCE a very good solvent but both need to be used in a well ventilated area.

Good for de greasing but as mentioned will strip any lube off the metal parts, Acetone is not good for plastic guns.

Neither one is good for your eyes (wear safety glasses!)

 

[Badquaker]

I use it as a final rinse after scrubbing with solvent.