User's Manual

AT308 - USER MANUAL

11.8 REMOVING HEAVY COPPER AND CARBON FOULING

 Whilst it is not necessary to carry out the following procedure each time the barrel is

cleaned, it should be followed when a high number of rounds has been shot.

 Heavy copper fouling may be seen from the muzzle as a copper coloured residue,

carbon fouling will be seen as a black residue between the lands. The heaviest fouling

tends to occur within 12” (300mm) of the chamber.

 It is important to remove fouling deposits as it increases the pressure within the barrel

resulting in hard extractions, loss of accuracy and potentially making the rifle unsafe to

use.

 For optimal results, it is recommended that a copper solvent and a carbon remover be

used alternately to clean a heavily fouled barrel, (see “Recognized Lubricants & Bore

Solvents” table).

 Refer to the Copper/Carbon Solvent Manufacturer’s instructions to determine how the

solvent should be applied to the bore and how long it should be left to penetrate the

fouling.

 After the Copper/Carbon Solvent has been left to penetrate the fouling for the

recommended time, insert the rod guide into the action body ensuring it has engaged

with the bolt catch.

 Fit the correct sized phosphor bronze brush to the rod and pass through the barrel

several times in each direction. Resistance should be felt when pushing the brush

through the barrel. If little resistance is felt the brush may need to be replaced.

 Fit the jag or patch holder to the cleaning rod and pass through a clean patch to dry the

bore and chamber.

 Remove the patch at the muzzle: DO NOT pull it back through the bore.

 If alternating between carbon and copper solvents, repeat the cleaning procedure again

with the alternative product, leaving it to penetrate the fouling for the recommended

time.

 Repeat this operation until a new solvent-moistened patch can be passed through the

barrel clean (a light grey smudge is acceptable). Once this is achieved, remove any

solvent residue with a clean, dry, patch.

 Wipe away all surplus solvents from inside the Action Body and from the Muzzle Brake.

Note: The presence of carbon and copper fouling in the barrel often shows as a coloured

residue on cleaning patches. This colour varies from one cleaning product to the next

e.g. heavy copper fouling may show as blue on the patch, heavy carbon fouling may

show as grey on the patch. Check your specific cleaning product for guidance and

repeat the cleaning procedure above, as necessary, until the patches come out clean.

Note: It may be necessary to reapply the solvent and repeat this process to completely

remove stubborn deposits.