Lyman 35-45 Caliber Butchs Patches Review

First Thoughts on the Lyman 35-45 Caliber Butchs Patches

In the world of firearms maintenance, the humble cleaning patch often gets overlooked. It’s easy to focus on solvents, brushes, and bore snakes, but without a quality patch, even the best cleaning solutions are useless. That’s where the Lyman 35-45 Caliber Butchs Patches come in. These patches promise to be a reliable tool for cleaning a wide range of firearms, from .35 caliber handguns to .45 caliber rifles, and are manufactured by Lyman, a company with a long-standing reputation in the shooting sports industry.

My journey to discovering the Lyman 35-45 Caliber Butchs Patches began with a simple need: consistently clean barrels. I was tired of patches tearing apart mid-cleaning or failing to adequately scrub away fouling. Many patches lacked the right texture, and cheap alternatives simply didn’t cut it. The promise of 500 patches per package at a reasonable price of $16.49 made it worth the experiment.

The package arrived in a simple cardboard box. Inside, the patches were neatly stacked. The first impression was positive – they felt thicker and more robust than other generic patches I’ve used. There was a noticeable lack of loose lint, a common issue with inferior products.

Compared to brands like Hoppe’s or Tipton, the Lyman 35-45 Caliber Butchs Patches seemed to offer a better balance of value and quality. I’ve used Hoppe’s patches in the past, finding them sometimes too thin for heavy fouling. Tipton’s offerings, while often excellent, can be pricier. My initial thought was cautiously optimistic: these patches might just be the sweet spot.

There was an excitement mixed with the weariness of trying yet another cleaning product. Hopeful that these could simplify and improve the cleaning process, I was eager to put them to the test. It was time to get to work.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman 35-45 Caliber Butchs Patches to the Test

First Use Experience

The first test came during a routine cleaning of my .45 ACP 1911 and my .357 Magnum revolver. The shooting range had left them both fairly dirty after a long afternoon of drills. I applied my usual bore solvent and got to work, using the Lyman 35-45 Caliber Butchs Patches with a slotted cleaning jag.

In both firearms, the patches gripped the bore tightly, providing excellent scrubbing action. They held up surprisingly well even when encountering stubborn carbon fouling. One of my big concerns was tearing, but the Lyman 35-45 Caliber Butchs Patches remained intact. They performed admirably.

The patches worked well in both wet and dry applications. Whether soaking up solvent or wiping down a freshly oiled bore, they absorbed liquids efficiently. I didn’t experience any issues with lint being left behind, a pleasant surprise compared to other patches I’ve used. The patches made the whole experience a whole lot cleaner.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, cleaning everything from shotguns to rifles, the Lyman 35-45 Caliber Butchs Patches have proven their worth. They’ve become a staple in my cleaning kit. They are an essential tool.

The patches demonstrate remarkable durability. Even with repeated passes through heavily fouled barrels, they resist tearing and maintain their integrity. I’ve cleaned over a dozen firearms with these patches, and the initial quality has remained consistent throughout.

Maintaining the patches is straightforward, as they are disposable. I haven’t encountered any issues with them degrading or becoming unusable over time. I can use them with ease. This ease of maintenance is essential.

Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper patches, the Lyman 35-45 Caliber Butchs Patches have significantly outperformed them. The increased durability and reduced lint make them a far superior choice. This superior quality saves both time and frustration.

Breaking Down the Features of Lyman 35-45 Caliber Butchs Patches

Specifications

The Lyman 35-45 Caliber Butchs Patches are designed for firearms ranging from .35 to .45 caliber. Each patch measures approximately 2.25 inches in diameter. The packaging contains 500 patches.

The patches are made from a cotton material designed to provide a balance of absorbency and durability. This material effectively lifts fouling and residue from the bore of a firearm. The size and thickness are optimized for use with standard cleaning jags and slotted tips commonly used in firearm maintenance. They are not designed for use with bore snakes.

The quantity of 500 patches per package offers great value. It reduces the need for frequent reordering. This makes them a cost-effective choice for high-volume shooters and gunsmiths.

Performance & Functionality

The Lyman 35-45 Caliber Butchs Patches excel at their primary job: cleaning firearm bores. They provide excellent scrubbing action to remove carbon fouling, lead residue, and powder buildup. Their consistent size and shape ensure a tight fit within the bore, maximizing contact and cleaning efficiency.

One strength is their resistance to tearing. They hold up well even when used with aggressive solvents. A potential weakness is that they may be slightly too large for some smaller .35 caliber bores.

Overall, the Lyman 35-45 Caliber Butchs Patches meet and exceed expectations for a basic cleaning patch. They provide a reliable and consistent cleaning experience. It’s a great experience.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is simple yet effective. The circular shape is ideal for use with cleaning jags and slotted tips. The cotton material is soft enough to prevent scratching the bore while providing enough texture to scrub away fouling.

The patches are easy to handle and load onto cleaning tools. There is no learning curve. You can use them from the get-go.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Lyman 35-45 Caliber Butchs Patches is a significant advantage. They are designed to withstand repeated passes through the bore without tearing or shredding. This extends their lifespan and reduces the number of patches needed per cleaning session.

Maintenance is virtually non-existent. The patches are disposable, so there’s no need to clean or store them after use. This makes them incredibly convenient.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lyman 35-45 Caliber Butchs Patches are intended to be used with standard cleaning tools. There are no specific accessories or customization options that come with the product itself. However, they are compatible with a wide range of cleaning jags, slotted tips, and bore solvents from various brands.

Using them with a high-quality bore solvent can further enhance their cleaning performance. The patches themselves don’t require any modifications. This makes them easy to use.

Pros and Cons of Lyman 35-45 Caliber Butchs Patches