Got some range time on my HK45, couple of questions...

[flyboy1910]

Well, I've got some range time on my HK45, and it's been awesome (after I got used the the POI being behind the dot:63000:)

There seem to be a couple of issues..

The loaded chamber indicator doesn't seem to stick out very far at all, and I'm having trouble getting some fouling out of the "grooves" in the rifling.

Is polygonal rifling usually this difficult to clean?

[hkozzie]

Well, I've got some range time on my HK45, and it's been awesome (after I got used the the POI being behind the dot:63000:)

There seem to be a couple of issues..

The loaded chamber indicator doesn't seem to stick out very far at all, and I'm having trouble getting some fouling out of the "grooves" in the rifling.

Is polygonal rifling usually this difficult to clean?

Perfectly normal for the loaded chamber indicator... apparently it doesn't stick out all too far. Best way to make sure the chamber isn't loaded is to pop out the mag and rack the slide to get any remaining rounds out of the chamber. As for cleaning... are you using a bronze brush to clean it? What solvent are you using? I find that Hoppes #9 works fine as long as you clean the gun after each range trip. Besides that try running patches through soaked in hoppes to clean it out. Hope this helps!

[flyboy1910]

Thanks, good to know, I think I just need a new brush as the one I'm using can change directions while in the bore (just checked)! Bore snake's not getting it either

[sar4937]

Try a .50 caliber brush, let the solvent soak about twenty minutes.

[hkozzie]

Try a .50 caliber brush, let the solvent soak about twenty minutes.

Get a Kleen-Bore kit for the PROPER size caliber. They do the job for brushes and patches. Run the brush through the bore with solvent a few times then run some patches through soaked in solvent. Also, no need to soak in solvent if you clean after each range trip. Best piece of advice is to keep it clean!

[flyboy1910]

brush was an Outers, so i'll get a kleen bore tomorrow and see if that does it.

[GARY1911A1]

Are you using lead bullets instead of copper jacket by chance?

[HKIWB]

My HK45 barrel gets more copper fouling than any of my other pistols, and I clean the bore to a mirror finish after every range session. I don't think it needs to be cleaned so thoroughly, but I like it that way. Hoppes #9 works as well or better than MPro7 copper cleaner, Birchwood Casey Gun Scrubber and Hoppes Elite. There are probably better bore cleaners out there, though.

The first thing I do when cleaning my HK45 is remove the barrel, run a solvent-soaked patch through it, then let it soak in a bottle of Hoppes. Most of the fouling is just beyond the chamber, and I want to preserve the O ring, so I soak it chamber-side-down. By the time I'm finished cleaning the rest of the pistol, the copper has loosened up and comes out more easily with a brass brush and patches.

[F1fanatic]

I shoot some WWII Bolt Actions and use military surplus ammo so it's really important to clean bores well because of the corrosive primers.

I always use an expanding foam bore cleaner like Wipe Out. I think that's what is called!?! Let it sit for 20 minutes or so, no harm in letting it sit longer if needed. Then run a brush followed by patches until the patches run clean. Then I follow with some gun oil behind on some patches to coat the bore. This will keep any oxidation off until the next range trip and will also keep the fouling from sticking so hard on the next shoot.

Sounds like a lengthy process but can be done very quick. I like my bores mirror shiny too but it's important after doing so to get a coat of light oil on them.

[flyboy1910]

Are you using lead bullets instead of copper jacket by chance?

Put about 30 rounds of WWB JHP 230gr through her, but no non-jacketed lead. Do you think it might be lead?

[STW]

Those experiencing copper fouling should try bore tech eleminator. If used properly that stuff will get out any copper you have. I used to use a cop out system for my high powered rifles but since using boretech I haven't had to.

[flyboy1910]

A few goes with JB bore paste took care of most of it, whatever is in there, its tough stuff. UNder light, the stuff looks grey, not copperish in color.

This is frustrating, as I know how to maintain my weapons, and my bore looks like ass.

[GARY1911A1]

Put about 30 rounds of WWB JHP 230gr through her, but no non-jacketed lead. Do you think it might be lead?

No, even though there some lead at the base of the bullet. Glad you were able to get it out.

[orfeo]

A few goes with JB bore paste took care of most of it, whatever is in there, its tough stuff. UNder light, the stuff looks grey, not copperish in color.

This is frustrating, as I know how to maintain my weapons, and my bore looks like ass.

It is lead, and it is very common to have it in the deepest recess of HK polygonal bores. After a while, enough will build-up there that it will be swaged by the bullet passing by, and it will look like the rest of the bore next to it. There have been many, many discussions on here about lead streaks in the bore. In any case, it is normal, and nothing to worry over. My favorite product is Big 45 Frontier metal cleaner. Does a great job, and won't harm even a blued finish. JB Bore Paste is very aggressive and will definitely accelerate the wear in your barrel, and should be used as little as possible.

I always like a clean pistol myself, but you can go thousands and thousands of rounds of jacketed ammo through that pistol with virtually no bore-cleaning at all, and no ill effects. In fact, many knowledgeable shooters (and some barrel manufacturers) say that the ONLY thing that should go through your bore is bullets. Scooter (HKPro member) cleans his pistols only once per year, and he shoots competitively. :)

[flyboy1910]

It is lead, and it is very common to have it in the deepest recess of HK polygonal bores. After a while, enough will build-up there that it will be swaged by the bullet passing by, and it will look like the rest of the bore next to it. There have been many, many discussions on here about lead streaks in the bore. In any case, it is normal, and nothing to worry over. My favorite product is Big 45 Frontier metal cleaner. Does a great job, and won't harm even a blued finish. JB Bore Paste is very aggressive and will definitely accelerate the wear in your barrel, and should be used as little as possible.

I always like a clean pistol myself, but you can go thousands and thousands of rounds of jacketed ammo through that pistol with virtually no bore-cleaning at all, and no ill effects. In fact, many knowledgeable shooters (and some barrel manufacturers) say that the ONLY thing that should go through your bore is bullets. Scooter (HKPro member) cleans his pistols only once per year, and he shoots competitively. :)

Excellent response and good know for the future, as I keep hearing JB won't harm barrel steel. I shant use it anymore, nor will I worry about trying to get that "mirror shine".