OT: Ammoniated bore cleaners

[Richard Cranium]

Whats wrong with using ammoniated bore cleaners? Some companies claim that their copper solvent is non-ammoniated. I use ammoniated since it strips copper in a jiffy. WTH.

Tucson Dick

[tommygun2000]

Originally posted by Richard Cranium
Whats wrong with using ammoniated bore cleaners? Some companies claim that their copper solvent is non-ammoniated. I use ammoniated since it strips copper in a jiffy. WTH.

Tucson Dick

Ammonia makes brass brittle. This is why if you clean brass for reloading you do not want to use any ammoniated metal polishes in the tumbling media. It penetrates the porous brass and corrodes it, weakening it and making it brittle. This can be especially dangerous in high pressure rifle ammunition.

It is however recommended for black powder guns as it neutralizes the corrosive acids and salts left behind in the black powder residue. They must be rinsed well with clean hot water.