Soaking barrel in CLP

[robertcolorado2009]

I have a S&W 40 M&P Shield. A friend of mine gave me a bunch of his extra reloads he made. I have probably put about 200+ of these thru this gun. I have noticed build up between the lands of the rifling. I have tried just wetting it with CLP then using a brush to clean that gunk out. I got most of it, but then I went out again and noticed the build up again. I want to soak just the barrel in CLP for a few hours or longer. Will this affect it negatively in any way. I have tried bore snake, brushes but never a long soak. I have a feeling he used some crappy powder that leaves a lot of residue. I have about 150 rounds left. I really don't want to use it if you guys think that's the cause of this build up. BTW-It smokes quite a bit when firing. I need some help with this problem.

[JMBD2112]

Are they lead bullets?

[robertcolorado2009]

Yes.

[Bailey Guns]

You won't hurt your barrel by soaking it in CLP. Then again, it probably isn't strong enough to take care of the problem, either.

You're probably seeing lead...not powder residue. Try a stronger solvent like Sweet's 7.62 or other copper/lead solvent and a LOT of brushing. That's probably the only way to get it out.

Or, clean it normally and don't worry too much about a little residue. As long as you're maintaining the gun and cleaning it normally a little left over residue isn't going to hurt anything.

[Mazin]

Copper cutter and elbow grease


Sent from my Otterbox Defended Tactical iPhone using High Capacity "Clips".

[robertcolorado2009]

Thanks for the response BG. That makes sense and I do clean it after every outing. I can probably use the rest of that ammo as long as I maintained the cleaning, rather than disposing of it. Thanks guys!

[10mm-man]

Thanks guys!

No problem! Anytime.....

[rboyes]

Lewis Lead Remover. Works wonders at removing lead. And your pistol smokes a lot when firing because the bullets are lead. Just the nature of the beast.
http://www.brownells.com/gun-cleanin...prod21587.aspx

[BPTactical]

Carl (Bailey Guns) nailed it. While CLP is ok in a pinch you need a dedicated bore cleaner such as Sweets, Shooters Choice, Tetra or M Pro7. On a badly fouled barrel soak time is more important than scrubbing the hell out of it.
Try this: get the bore good and wet with a quality bore solvent and put the barrel in a zip lock bag and walk away for an hour or so. Pass a wet patch through it and you will be amazed how easily the fouling comes out. Repeat as needed but use a brush sparingly. Your barrel will thank you for it.
Around my shop the only thing CLP is used for is a "Armor All" type treatment. It is great in that capacity but a crummy cleaner and lubricant.

[robertcolorado2009]

Golden, that's what I am going to do, BP Tactical. That's sort of what I was envisioning, just still new to a lot of nuts and bolts issues.