Copper removal no longer recommended?

I've only removed copper fouling from a rifle barrel (.280) once and that was because it wasn't shooting the tight groups that I was accustomed to. The rifle went from stringing, groups measuring 2 1/2 inches to a ten shot group that measured 1.362 inches at 100 yards. Problem solved. After a second trip to the range I did check the barrel for copper build up after about 30 shots. There was evidence of build up but it wasn't effecting accuracy so I didn't bother removing it. When the groups start to open up I will check for and remove copper fouling if its there :)
 
I see that you raised the question... missed it.

No one provided any info, so I did a little research...

Difference in potential between copper and high-alloy stainless is negligible, looks like around 0.15V...

But, with low-alloy carbon steel, the difference in potential is .50 volts- which, from what I read, is marginal- in a humidity controlled environment.

Not sure where chrome moly steel falls in the table.

Seems like in a non-controlled environment- especially military applications- where there is not just a humidity/dampness factor, but where the rifles get wet, that this might be a concern. Seems to contradict somewhat the "no copper removal" policy...

I can't seem to find any info as far as actual testing, etc. on this, so perhaps it's just a non-issue.
 
I've never had a copper fouling problem on an AR-15 after shooting matches for about 7 years. Some rifles just don't get upset about copper residue.

An occasional copper cleaning was what I used on 30-06 and .308 match rifles. These rifles see a lot of rounds but don't care much about some copper in the barrel.

The 17HMR is one rifle where copper fouling is critical. I fired a 499/500 and a 500/500 at 200 yards with one of my Marlins. When copper builds up, the rifle turns into a monster. Sometimes it takes 3 days of wet soaked patches to get the copper out. I use Butch's bore shine with wet patches and an occasional brushing. I follow up with Hoppes #9 as a rust preventative. You can't scrub copper out. Let the chemicals work.

When you hear someone complaining about a .17HMR that is throwing flyers, it's a safe bet that copper fouling is ruining the accuracy.

Flash
 
You can't scrub copper out. Let the chemicals work.
Click to expand...

Ordinarily I would tend to agree with you, however, using Mpro7 and a brush, my barrels show no evidence of copper at the muzzle, which is where I can typically see it there on the lands at the muzzle. Too, a few wet patches with Sweets don't exhibit but the faintest blue color. I think maybe Mpro7 is an exception to this rule.

Sure makes cleaning a lot easier, and less smelly.
 
I don't clean until i see a degradation in accuracy. I shoot my rifle fouled so i know my POA and POI will be consistent.
 
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