Thread: Barrels ruined by cleaning

Originally Posted by ebf

Remember that an abrasive polishing compound will create a black patch, so don't think the patches will eventually come clean.

A very good point, as this had me fooled for a long time - barrels that never seem to come clean.

Originally Posted by ebf

Bores scopes are a game changer interest of cleaning.

This. I haven't got the "gunsmith eye" that apparently can see down barrels.

Originally Posted by andyanimal31

A good mate of mine who is a qualified chemical engineer looked at me sideways and suggested it's not the most brilliant thing to do as it reacts with steel.

Aqueous ammonia is an effective and inexpensive way of removing copper fouling, if/when that is required.
Both mild and stainless steels are used in the manufacture and storage of ammonia, and while there can be corrosion issues, this depends more on other contaminants that are present than the ammonia itself. The reaction time-frames when this does occur are long. Reports to the contrary are good for selling the much more expensive alternatives. Do not store the ammonia anywhere near your brass.
Here is a recent summary with references.
http://eurocorr.efcweb.org/2018/abstracts/7/101877.pdf