Lead fouling in .22’s?

trigger7mm · #1 03-11-2019, 08:30 PM

Can you develop lead fouling in a .22 barrel by using lead bullets like CCI standard velocity, for example. How many rounds would it take to become noticeable, and what’s the best way to clean it out? Thank you for your wisdom!

260 Rem · #2 03-11-2019, 08:38 PM

Both lead and carbon solvents are available. I don’t think lead fouling is a much of a problem for non target applications. My gopher guns get a good cleaning after 4-500 rounds...but I do run an oil patch after every outing.

trigger7mm · #3 03-12-2019, 08:28 PM

Thanks for the reply.

6.5 shooter · #4 03-12-2019, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 260 Rem

Both lead and carbon solvents are available. I don’t think lead fouling is a much of a problem for non target applications. My gopher guns get a good cleaning after 4-500 rounds...but I do run an oil patch after every outing.

Sounds about right^^

Scottmisfits · #5 03-13-2019, 08:12 AM

I haven’t noticed to much lead fouling, mostly carbon. Most 22lr manufacturers coat their roundswith wax to keep the lead off of the barrel. I’m not sure how well it works, but like I said, carbon fouling is more prevalent for me.

stob · #6 03-13-2019, 08:45 AM

As an outlier I had a semiautomatic Winchester 22 as a kid that by the time the gun burnt out I had 17+ bricks thru it wo a problem...minute of gopher...most bricks were imperial...

Scottmisfits · #7 03-13-2019, 09:17 AM

Stob, what do you mean burnt out the gun? The barrel or everything else was just worn out? I’ve never heard of that with a rimfire.

stob · #8 03-13-2019, 09:30 AM

17 bricks is conservative...however, i cleaned it up and the smith said mechanism is done ... cheaper to get another ... it had a hard scrabble life - yuk yuk

260 Rem · #9 03-13-2019, 09:30 AM

.22 RimFire bullets are usually coated with either a wax or petroleum based lube OR a “copper wash”. And, lead itself has some “lubricating” properties against steel. Given the relatively low powder volume and pressure, there is a lot less heat produced when compared with CF. Carbon deposits can accumulate just forward of the chamber and I am told, can affect “match” level accuracy which should not be an issue in the gopher patch...but that is not a good reason to ignore it indefinitely. IMO it is important (for me) to clean the bolt/slide areas on my semi about every 500 rnds to insure proper function. With a bit of lube in those areas, they attract a lot of powder fouling.

JamesB · #10 03-16-2019, 11:04 AM

It really depends on ammo and firearm. I had a 22 pistol that really hated Wildcats and would lead up so badly that after 50 shots, no rifling was visible.
I would suggest try the ammo first and check for leading. If you have a gun that leads up often, restrict it to plated bullets.