22 rimfire barrels tend to be softer than barrels for modern high pressure rounds.
same is true of muzzle loaders and old black powder cartridge guns. So a lot of what we hear about rod ware was based on observations on those guns.
Everything going down the bore causes a tiny bit of ware.
if you have to insert the rod from the muzzle end then you potentially rub the side of the muzzle with the rod and damage the most critical part of the bore.
It’s not uncommon to find that condition on old military guns from the era when corrosive primers were common. They got lots of scrubbing in less than ideal conditions.
Soft materials can contribute to ware on harder ones. we have all seen steel abraded by belts rubbing or seal lips cut into a shaft over time. Grit embeds in soft materials and scratches the harder material adjacent. That’s how diamonds are cut and polished.
Best practices
Work from the breach if possible
Use a centering device if you have to work from the muzzle
use a one piece rod
Work in a clean area
Keep the rod clean and free of grit
corrosion will damage the bore faster than a cleaning rod. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Get it cleaned and oiled
same is true of muzzle loaders and old black powder cartridge guns. So a lot of what we hear about rod ware was based on observations on those guns.
Everything going down the bore causes a tiny bit of ware.
if you have to insert the rod from the muzzle end then you potentially rub the side of the muzzle with the rod and damage the most critical part of the bore.
It’s not uncommon to find that condition on old military guns from the era when corrosive primers were common. They got lots of scrubbing in less than ideal conditions.
Soft materials can contribute to ware on harder ones. we have all seen steel abraded by belts rubbing or seal lips cut into a shaft over time. Grit embeds in soft materials and scratches the harder material adjacent. That’s how diamonds are cut and polished.
Best practices
Work from the breach if possible
Use a centering device if you have to work from the muzzle
use a one piece rod
Work in a clean area
Keep the rod clean and free of grit
corrosion will damage the bore faster than a cleaning rod. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Get it cleaned and oiled
