The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal Made a Bold First Impression
Gun maintenance, especially for precision rimfire rifles, is a meticulous process. It’s a ritual that any serious shooter understands is crucial for consistent accuracy and longevity of their firearm. I’ve seen countless cleaning solutions, rods, and brushes come and go, but the unsung hero of the cleaning kit often remains the humble cleaning patch. When I needed patches for my .17 HMR, I started looking for quality options.
My search eventually led me to the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal. Southern Bloomer promised thread-less, virtually lint-free cotton knit patches at an unbeatable price. I was intrigued. I was previously using pre-cut cotton flannel patches from a bulk roll, which worked adequately, but left annoying amounts of lint in the bore and action.
Unboxing the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal revealed exactly what I expected: a bag of small, round patches. The cotton knit felt soft to the touch, and I immediately noticed the lack of loose threads. Compared to the generic patches I had been using, these appeared denser and more consistently sized. I also considered using bore snakes or pre-saturated patches, but for a dedicated cleaning session, I still prefer the control and thoroughness of traditional patches with solvent. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic.
Priced at just $4.49, the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal were significantly cheaper than some of the “premium” branded options available. It seemed almost too good to be true. My first impression was positive. I was excited to test these patches.
Real-World Testing: Putting Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal after a lengthy range session with my .17 HMR. I was shooting outdoors in relatively dry conditions, although there was a slight breeze kicking up some dust. Following my usual cleaning procedure, I saturated a patch with bore solvent and ran it through the barrel using a properly sized cleaning rod and jag. The patch moved smoothly through the bore.
I immediately noticed that the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal picked up a significant amount of fouling, including powder residue and copper deposits. What impressed me most was the minimal amount of lint left behind. It was a stark contrast to my previous experiences with cheaper patches. There were no surprises during the first use, just a noticeably cleaner bore with less effort.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, cleaning my rifles after each range trip, the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal have consistently performed well. There hasn’t been a single instance of a patch tearing or leaving excessive lint in the bore. The patches maintain their integrity even when heavily saturated with solvent.
The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal show no significant signs of wear and tear. I’ve noticed no decline in their performance over time. Cleaning and maintenance are nonexistent, they’re disposable. Comparing them to my previous patches, the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal are a clear upgrade in terms of lint reduction and overall cleaning effectiveness. I feel more confident that my rifle’s bore is thoroughly cleaned with each session.
Breaking Down the Features of Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal
Specifications
The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal are designed specifically for small-bore firearms. They are sized to fit .17 to .20 caliber rifles and pistols. Made from Southern Bloomer’s signature cotton knit, they are advertised as thread-less and virtually lint-free. Their small size and soft texture make them ideal for cleaning tight spaces and delicate components.
These specifications are important because a properly sized patch ensures good contact with the bore, maximizing cleaning effectiveness. The lint-free design is critical for preventing fouling build-up and maintaining accuracy. The cotton knit material is gentle on the bore, minimizing the risk of scratching or damaging the rifling.
Performance & Functionality
The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal perform their job admirably. They effectively remove fouling, powder residue, and copper deposits from the bore. The lint-free design is a major advantage.
The strength of these patches lies in their simplicity and effectiveness. A potential weakness is that heavily fouled barrels may require more patches than larger or more absorbent options. Overall, they exceed my expectations for a basic cleaning patch, especially at their price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal are simple in design. Made from a soft and durable cotton knit, each patch is uniformly sized and shaped. Their light weight is a non-factor. The soft texture ensures they won’t damage the bore.
There is no learning curve. They are ready to use straight out of the bag. The simplicity is welcomed in a product.
Durability & Maintenance
The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal are designed to be disposable. You’ll likely need to use many of them. As long as they are stored in a dry location, they are ready to use.
Maintenance is non-existent, as they are intended for one-time use. Their longevity is therefore related to how many are included in the bag, which is a considerable amount for the price.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal do not come with any accessories. They are meant to be used with a cleaning rod, jag, and bore solvent, all of which are sold separately. There are no customization options available for the patches themselves.
The patches are compatible with any standard cleaning rod and jag designed for .17 to .20 caliber firearms. Their universal compatibility makes them a versatile addition to any gun cleaning kit.
Pros and Cons of Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal
Pros
- Virtually lint-free, resulting in a cleaner bore and reduced fouling.
- Inexpensive, offering excellent value for the money.
- Durable cotton knit construction prevents tearing during use.
- Consistent sizing ensures a snug fit on the cleaning jag.
- Effective at removing powder residue, carbon, and copper fouling.
Cons
- May require multiple patches for heavily fouled bores.
- No included accessories, such as a cleaning rod or solvent.
Who Should Buy Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal?
The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal are perfect for anyone who owns a .17 to .20 caliber firearm and values proper gun maintenance. This includes rimfire enthusiasts, competitive shooters, small game hunters, and anyone who wants to keep their firearm in optimal condition without breaking the bank. They are especially beneficial for those who demand a lint-free cleaning experience.
These patches might not be ideal for someone looking for a complete all-in-one cleaning kit. If you need a cleaning rod, jag, and solvent, you’ll need to purchase those separately. A good bore solvent and a high-quality cleaning rod are essential for achieving the best results.
Conclusion on Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal
The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal are a simple yet effective solution for keeping your small-bore firearm clean and accurate. Their lint-free design, durable construction, and affordable price make them an excellent choice for both experienced shooters and beginners. The value proposition is outstanding.
The price is more than justified, considering the performance and quantity of patches you receive. I highly recommend the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal to anyone looking for a reliable and cost-effective way to maintain their .17 to .20 caliber firearms. Invest in a bag of these patches, and experience the difference a truly lint-free cleaning can make. Keep your firearm clean. Keep it accurate.