The Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine 4 oz. Bottle Made a Bold First Impression
The Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine 4 oz. Bottle isn’t just another cleaning solvent; it’s a legacy. Manufactured by Lyman, a name synonymous with quality reloading and shooting accessories, this bore cleaner promises to remove copper, lead, wax, and plastic wad fouling without damaging the bore. It’s a bold claim, especially in a market saturated with products vying for the top spot.
My journey to discovering Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine started years ago, battling stubborn copper fouling in a custom-built .22-250. Hours of scrubbing with other cleaners yielded minimal results, leading to decreased accuracy and frustration. I needed a solution that could effectively remove fouling without resorting to harsh abrasives that could damage the barrel.
The Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine comes in a simple, no-frills 4 oz. bottle. Initial impressions were good; the liquid has a slightly viscous consistency and a distinct, but not overpowering, solvent smell. Compared to other cleaners I’ve used, like Hoppe’s No. 9 or Birchwood Casey Bore Scrubber, the Lyman product seemed less aggressive, hinting at a gentler approach.
I ultimately chose Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine based on recommendations from fellow benchrest shooters and its reputation for effectively removing fouling without damaging the bore. While other products might work quickly, the Lyman formula prioritized long-term barrel health. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping this would finally solve my fouling woes.
My first impression was cautiously excited. The promise of a clean bore without the elbow grease was alluring. Time would tell if the Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine 4 oz. Bottle could live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine 4 oz. Bottle to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine was at the range, cleaning my aforementioned .22-250 after a day of load development. I applied a generous amount to a bore brush, ran it through the barrel several times, and then let it soak for about 15 minutes.
The conditions were relatively dry, with a slight breeze. The initial cleaning process was straightforward; the Butch’s Bore Shine seemed to loosen the fouling effectively. After wiping the bore with patches, I was surprised by the amount of copper residue that came out, even after my previous cleaning attempts.
There were no immediate issues or surprises, just a satisfying amount of gunk removed. The bore seemed noticeably cleaner, and I was eager to see if it translated to improved accuracy.
Extended Use & Reliability
After months of regular use, the Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine has proven to be a reliable and effective bore cleaner. It consistently removes copper and lead fouling from my rifles and pistols. There are no signs of any adverse effects on the bore’s finish.
The cleaner is durable, showing no signs of degradation in performance over time. Maintenance is simple; just apply, let it soak, and patch it out. Compared to my previous cleaning regimen, the Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine has significantly reduced the time and effort required to maintain a clean and accurate bore. This product outperforms anything else I’ve used, making it a permanent fixture in my cleaning kit.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine 4 oz. Bottle
Specifications
- The Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine is designed by well-known benchrest competitor Butch Fisher. His expertise in precision shooting is reflected in the product’s formulation.
- It effectively removes copper, lead, wax, and plastic wad fouling. This makes it suitable for a wide range of firearms and shooting disciplines.
- The formula is safe to use on carbon and stainless steel barrels. This ensures compatibility with most modern firearms.
- Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine helps control copper build-up. This allows for prolonged accuracy between cleanings.
- It is a non-abrasive cleaner. This prevents damage to the bore rifling and ensures long-term barrel life. The bottle contains 4 oz. of the cleaning solution.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine excels at its primary job: removing fouling. It effectively loosens and dissolves copper and lead deposits, making them easy to remove with patches.
Its strength is its ability to effectively clean without being overly aggressive. A minor weakness might be that it requires a bit more soaking time compared to some harsher solvents, but the trade-off is well worth it for the sake of barrel preservation. The product meets and exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The product’s design is straightforward and functional. The 4 oz. bottle is easy to handle and store.
There’s no learning curve; simply apply, let it soak, and patch it out. The solution is user-friendly, and even novice shooters will find it easy to use.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its chemical composition, the Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine itself has an indefinite shelf life if stored properly. The bore cleaner itself doesn’t require any maintenance.
Keeping the bottle tightly sealed and stored in a cool, dry place ensures its longevity. The product is designed for cleaning, so the focus is on maintaining the firearm, not the cleaner itself.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine doesn’t come with any specific accessories, as it’s a standalone cleaning solution. However, it works exceptionally well with standard bore brushes, jags, and cleaning patches of various brands.
It’s compatible with all standard cleaning tools. There are no customization options for the cleaner itself, but its effectiveness enhances the performance of any firearm.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine 4 oz. Bottle
- Effectively removes copper and lead fouling. It significantly reduces the need for aggressive scrubbing.
- Safe for use on carbon and stainless steel barrels. This eliminates the risk of damage to the bore.
- Helps control copper build-up. This extends the period between necessary cleanings, enhancing long-term accuracy.
- Non-abrasive formula. This ensures that the bore rifling is not damaged during cleaning.
- Trusted brand with a reputation for quality. This provides assurance of the product’s reliability and effectiveness.
Cons
- Requires soaking time for optimal results. This may not be ideal for shooters looking for immediate cleaning solutions.
- Strong solvent smell. Users may need to ensure adequate ventilation during use.
Who Should Buy Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine 4 oz. Bottle?
The Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine 4 oz. Bottle is perfect for precision shooters, reloaders, and anyone who values maintaining the accuracy and longevity of their firearms. It’s also ideal for those dealing with stubborn copper fouling.
Those who should skip this product are individuals looking for an instant, no-soak cleaning solution. Also, those sensitive to strong chemical odors may find it less appealing.
Must-have accessories to use with Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine are a high-quality bore brush, jags, and cleaning patches. A bore guide is also recommended to protect the chamber and crown during cleaning.
Conclusion on Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine 4 oz. Bottle
The Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine 4 oz. Bottle is a highly effective and safe bore cleaner. It delivers on its promise of removing fouling without damaging the barrel.
At $8.99, the price is justified considering the performance and longevity of the product. It’s an investment in the long-term accuracy and health of your firearms.
I would absolutely recommend it to any shooter looking for a reliable and effective bore cleaner. The Lyman Butch’s Bore Shine is a must-have for anyone serious about firearm maintenance. Add it to your cleaning kit today and experience the difference!