[Jeff Higgins]

Not to open a can of worms over ammonia based cleaning solvents on a car forum, but this is a lot like the endless oil discussions we do see on car forums. I will agree that the misuse of ammonia based solvents, or the use of the wrong kind of ammonia, will indeed damage a rifle barrel. But to say that they will "start to etch steel in any use" is simply wrong.

This myth gained a pretty strong foothold in military circles after one General Pershing proclaimed it to be, but he was using the wrong stuff under the wrong circumstances a long time ago. Sweet's 7.62 is only about 5% ammonia and poses no danger whatsoever if used per instructions. You would be very hard pressed to find a modern, civilian highpower competitor who doesn't swear by the stuff. And these guys know how to foul barrels...

Then there is firelapping. I have used this method in attempt to smooth out pitted bores on antique rifles. Other than that, I would never consider using it. I always wind up sizing cast bullets .001", or more, larger to work in these barrels. By then I'm no longer looking for match level accuracy, but simply less fouling and hunting level accuracy.

This practice has a real tendency to do most of its work in the throat, enlarging it disproportionately while leaving the rest of the bore untouched. Bottlenecked, high pressure, small bore chamberings tend to do this the worst, as they blow throats out prematurely anyway. There is no control over how much any given section of bore gets lapped, with the throat taking the brunt of it. Absolutely the wrong direction on a high intensity cartridge like the .22-250 or .220 Swift. Been there, done that, have the trashed barrels to show for it.

And, finally (sigh), moly coated bullets. These were all the rage in both benchrest and highpower years ago. Both camps know better these days. These fads come and go. Prior to molly coated bullets, treating the bore with liquid teflon was all the rage. You cannot even find the stuff to do that with anymore. Granted, molly coated bullets are still out there, if you look hard enough. Fine - but you will not see them at any highpower or benchrest matches, where shooters are the most interested in both accuracy and barrel life.

All of that said, the Outer's Foul Out is the real deal. Kind of messy, kind of a PIA, but pure magic on a really disgusting or neglected barrel. I strive to never let them get that far, but I do like it for those gun show finds that have led a rough life. Once I've used it on a rifle to try to save it from past abuse, however, it's never needed on that rifle again. I just cannot, in good conscience, let them get that bad.

So, yeah, there are no "silver bullets" in this game. Myths die hard, fads come and go. There is no way to "fix" a bad barrel other than replacing it. Modern commercial solvents, even with ammonia, will not harm a barrel when used as directed. Cheap home-made concoctions almost always will. Just stay away from the fads, stick to the tried and true, and you will avoid many problems.