I'm told that my 317 Smith shoots poorly with the new lead free ammo because I haven't removed the lead left by the lead .22 Long Rifle ammo I've shot out of it. It's been a very long time since I've even paid attention to this issue. I seem to recall that Hoppe's No.9 did a good job removing leading. Is that still true with the new formula ? I have a new bottle of that stuff. If not, what would you recommend ? E

Best way to remove leading is to get a copper pot scrubber like Chore Boy. Cut a couple strands off and wrap them around a cooper bore brush. Strips the leading out like magic.

Best way I've found is to get some "lead cloth" and cut patches for your jag. works really well and wasn't expensive last time I bought it

What the others have said, but be aware that the small diameter of a .22 bore makes for a challenge. Lead cloth is on the thick side, and a .22 brush doesn't leave much room for wrapping copper strands.

Another approach is real turpentine on a tight patch of harder cotton, like 100% cotton twill. But still the same problem of the very small bore.

Perhaps a mild abrasive bore cleaner like JB compound. Problem may be that you could end up polishing the lead rather than removing it. Hard to tell for sure without a bore scope. Lead fouling is nasty because it's hard to see.

Finally, figure out what caused the leading in the first place, and try to prevent it in the future.

Good luck.

I have had good luck with Montana Xtreme lead and powder solvent. A well soaked patch, let her set for a few minutes, followed by a nylon brush.

That sounds like a good approach, before moving to more aggressive measures. Whether patch or brush, make sure there is a tight fit, but not so tight as to risk sticking in the barrel.

For some reason, manufacturers make .22 jags and brushes way too tight. I stick to .22 pistol brushes, even for my rifles. Even some brushes labeled for .22 rimfire are too tight for comfort. A stuck brush or jag is bad news.

I have a 617 that leads up very badly I really think it deserves a trip back to Smith and Wesson I’ve never had issues like I do with this one, revolver came directly from Smith & Wesson as a replacement for a 17 with full Lug barrel that had a cylinder incorrectly bored