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Posted By: Sbrown How to clean a breech plug? - 09/21/16
What is the best way to clean the inside residue from a breech plug?

Thanks,
Steve
I'm guessing that you're asking about the flash channel. If so I have to use a couple different sized drill bits (I turn them by hand) and a nipple pick for my Triumph.
Originally Posted by Sbrown
What is the best way to clean the inside residue from a breech plug?

Thanks,
Steve


Torch Tip Cleaner, available at almost any welding supply store, or better stocked hardware.
"Sneak Up" on clearing the flash channel,...and don't force anything,..."turning" a drill bit ENLARGES holes,....
Tip cleaners are DESIGNED to remove carbon fouling,....
thank me later.

GTC
ultrasonic cleaner
Well, if I felt my breech plug face might need cleaning, I alwaus screwed a breech plug scraper on my wiping stick. This would have been on simple flint style breech plugs. Generally speaking I never found them to be that dirty That is if properly maintained.
Postscript,
I clean with tow and tow worm. I find them thorough.

May not be best way for everyone.
Posted By: Sbrown Re: How to clean a breech plug? - 09/26/16
Thanks guys for the information!

Steve
After I shoot mine a bunch I pull the plug an nipple and drop them in my ultrasonic cleaner it gets every little bit spick and span.
Originally Posted by Sbrown
What is the best way to clean the inside residue from a breech plug?

Thanks,
Steve


I soak mine in vinegar, inside a small pill bottle,. Since I never store my MLs with breechplugs attached, I let it sit and soak for a couple days. Pipe cleaners, q-tips and a small safety pin opened up keeps things tidy in there. Afterwards, using the long red straw of my garage carb cleaner, I shoot short sprays of carb cleaner to remove any leftover residue - then let stand and air-dry for another day.

My muzzleloaders are stored in my gun safe with the gun's butt-stock up. That way I'm assured my breechplugs are bone-dry when I install them, prior to range day or hunting day.
I use the bore solvent that I clean the bore with and use a patch and keep rubbing the chamber side with that until clean. If I can't get it clean, I might scrub it with a brass barrel brush. If I can't see through the flash channel, I'll use a nipple prick or a paper clip to poke it through. Then I use a patch with bore solvent and insert my finger nail to clean the threads.
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