Lyman 11 Ounce Blackpowder Bore Cleaner Review

The Lyman 11 Ounce Blackpowder Bore Cleaner Made a Bold First Impression

Blackpowder shooting, for me, isn’t just a hobby; it’s a link to history, a tangible connection to the frontiersmen and soldiers of centuries past. The smell of burnt powder, the satisfying boom of the rifle, the meticulous process of loading – it’s all part of the experience. However, that experience also includes a rather less romantic aspect: cleaning. Blackpowder fouling is notoriously stubborn, corrosive, and a pain to remove. That’s why I was on the hunt for a bore cleaner that could truly tame the beast and when I saw the Lyman 11 Ounce Blackpowder Bore Cleaner, I was intrigued.

The promise of a cleaner derived from U.S. Military solvent, boasting rapid removal of powder, lead, and plastic fouling, piqued my interest immediately. The claims of being odorless, non-toxic, non-flammable, biodegradable, and offering rust and corrosion protection were icing on the cake. I needed a solution that was effective and safe to use in my home workshop.

Unboxing it was surprisingly underwhelming – a simple plastic bottle, unassuming in appearance. However, what truly mattered was the performance inside, not the aesthetics of the container. I’ve previously used cleaners that reeked of harsh chemicals and left a greasy residue, so my hope was that this product would perform significantly better. I picked the Lyman 11 Ounce Blackpowder Bore Cleaner over options like Hoppe’s No. 9 (which, while classic, doesn’t always cut it with heavy blackpowder fouling) and Ballistol (a good all-rounder but not specifically formulated for blackpowder) because of its military heritage and claims of superior cleaning power.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The lack of a strong odor was a pleasant surprise, a stark contrast to the chemical warfare often associated with gun cleaning. I was eager to see if the cleaner lived up to its promises.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman 11 Ounce Blackpowder Bore Cleaner to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Lyman 11 Ounce Blackpowder Bore Cleaner immediately after a blackpowder rifle session at my local range. The conditions were dry and sunny, but my rifle’s bore was heavily fouled after several hours of shooting. Applying the cleaner was easy: a few patches soaked with the solution, followed by a bore brush, and then dry patches to remove the residue.

The initial results were impressive. The Lyman cleaner dissolved the blackpowder residue far more quickly than my previous cleaner. The patches came out significantly dirtier with each pass. No issues or surprises to report after the first use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Lyman 11 Ounce Blackpowder Bore Cleaner has consistently performed admirably. It effectively removes powder residue, even after prolonged periods of neglect (admittedly, a bad habit, but it happens). There have been no signs of any negative effects on the bluing or the wood stock of my rifles.

Maintenance is simple: just apply, brush, and wipe. It cleans up quickly with water, leaving no lingering odors or oily residue. Compared to my previous experiences with harsher solvents, the Lyman cleaner is a clear winner in terms of both performance and ease of use. It is noticeably better at preventing rust compared to simply using soap and water.

Breaking Down the Features of Lyman 11 Ounce Blackpowder Bore Cleaner

Specifications

• Formulated from a U.S. Military Cleaning Solvent: This suggests a rigorous testing and development process, aimed at effective fouling removal. This is a key differentiator, suggesting superior cleaning performance.
• Removes Powder, Lead, and Plastic Fouling: This multi-faceted cleaning capability makes it suitable for a range of firearms, not just blackpowder. This versatility is appealing.
• Odorless: A significant advantage over many bore cleaners, improving the user experience and making it suitable for indoor use. This is a welcome change from harsh chemical smells.
• Non-Toxic: Important for user safety and peace of mind, especially for those with families or pets. This is a major consideration for responsible gun owners.
• Non-Flammable: Reduces the risk of accidents during cleaning and storage. Safety is paramount when dealing with firearms and cleaning chemicals.
• Biodegradable: Environmentally friendly, aligning with responsible outdoor practices. This demonstrates a commitment to sustainability.
• Protects Against Rust and Corrosion: Extends the life of firearms by preventing damage from moisture and corrosive residues. This offers long-term value.
• 11oz Bottle: A decent size for regular use, providing enough cleaner for multiple firearms over a reasonable period. This is a practical size for most shooters.

Performance & Functionality

The Lyman 11 Ounce Blackpowder Bore Cleaner excels at its primary job: removing fouling. Its performance is noticeably superior to many other general-purpose cleaners. It effectively dissolves stubborn blackpowder residue, minimizing the need for excessive scrubbing.

There aren’t many weaknesses to note in this cleaner. The one thing that could be improved is the packaging; a spray bottle would make application more convenient. In general, this product meets, and in some aspects, exceeds my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is basic, a simple plastic bottle with a screw-on cap. However, the lack of complexity is a virtue in this case. The cleaner itself is a clear liquid with a slightly viscous consistency.

There’s no real learning curve; it’s a straightforward product to use, even for novice shooters.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lyman 11 Ounce Blackpowder Bore Cleaner itself doesn’t require maintenance, and the shelf life seems excellent. The cleaner itself will likely outlast the rifle it’s cleaning.

Accessories and Customization Options

No accessories come with the product, and there are no customization options for the cleaner itself. It’s worth using high-quality bore brushes and patches for best results. The cleaner is compatible with all standard cleaning tools and accessories.

Pros and Cons of Lyman 11 Ounce Blackpowder Bore Cleaner