First Thoughts on the Lyman 22-270 Caliber Butchs Patches
Cleaning a firearm is a necessary evil, a task often relegated to the bottom of the list, yet utterly crucial for maintaining accuracy and longevity. Enter the Lyman 22-270 Caliber Butchs Patches, a seemingly simple product promising to make this chore a bit more manageable. Lyman, a name synonymous with reloading and gun maintenance, offers these patches in a bulk pack, hinting at value and efficiency.
I was in search of a more cost-effective and readily available cleaning solution for my various rifles, particularly those chambered in .223/5.56 and .243 Winchester. Pre-cut patches, while convenient, often come at a premium. I wanted something I could customize to the specific cleaning needs of each firearm. The promise of 1000 patches per bag at this price point immediately piqued my interest.
Upon opening the bag, I was met with a no-frills presentation: a tightly packed mass of white cotton patches. The patches felt absorbent and of a decent thickness, suggesting they would hold solvents and oils effectively. The material seemed consistent throughout the bag, with minimal fraying or loose threads.
Compared to pre-cut patches from brands like Hoppe’s or Tetra Gun, the Lyman 22-270 Caliber Butchs Patches offer a significant cost saving. While those brands offer consistent sizing and convenience, the Lyman patches provide the flexibility to tailor the patch size to the specific firearm and cleaning rod being used. I chose these over pre-cut options primarily for the cost savings and the ability to customize the patch size.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited about the potential for value and customization but remained skeptical about the overall quality and how well they would perform in practice. The real test would be how they held up during actual cleaning sessions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman 22-270 Caliber Butchs Patches to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lyman 22-270 Caliber Butchs Patches during a thorough cleaning of my AR-15 (chambered in .223/5.56) and my bolt-action rifle (.243 Winchester) after a day at the range. The range conditions were relatively dry and dusty, so both rifles had accumulated a noticeable amount of fouling. I used the patches in conjunction with bore solvent and gun oil.
The patches performed admirably, effectively soaking up the solvent and scrubbing away powder residue and copper fouling. I found that folding the patches over a bore brush provided the best cleaning action. They fit snugly in both bores when folded correctly.
I did observe a small amount of lint left behind in the bore after a few passes. However, this was easily remedied with a final pass using a fresh, lightly oiled patch. There were no other significant issues after the first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Lyman 22-270 Caliber Butchs Patches have become a staple in my cleaning kit. They have proven reliable for cleaning a variety of firearms, including pistols and rifles. The durability has been impressive. They hold up well to repeated scrubbing without tearing or falling apart.
I’ve noticed minimal wear and tear on the patches themselves. The bag has remained intact, preventing the patches from getting dirty or contaminated. Maintaining the patches is simple: I just ensure the bag is sealed tightly after each use to prevent dust or moisture from entering.
Compared to my previous reliance on pre-cut patches, the Lyman 22-270 Caliber Butchs Patches have exceeded my expectations in terms of cost-effectiveness and versatility. While pre-cut patches offer convenience, the Lyman patches provide comparable cleaning performance at a fraction of the cost.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman 22-270 Caliber Butchs Patches
Specifications
The Lyman 22-270 Caliber Butchs Patches are designed for cleaning firearms ranging from .22 to .270 caliber. The patches are approximately 1.12 inches square. Each bag contains 1000 patches. The material is a woven cotton blend designed for absorbency and durability. These patches are explicitly designed for cleaning firearm bores and components.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the cleaning performance and efficiency. The size is suitable for use with a wide range of firearms. The high quantity ensures a long-lasting supply, and the material is designed to effectively lift and remove fouling from the bore.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman 22-270 Caliber Butchs Patches perform their intended function of cleaning firearms bores effectively. They are absorbent and durable, allowing for thorough cleaning with bore solvents and oils. The patches conform well to bore brushes and jags. This ensures consistent contact with the bore surface.
The main strength of these patches is their cost-effectiveness. They offer a large quantity of patches at a relatively low price. A minor weakness is the slight amount of lint that can be left behind in the bore. This is easily addressed with a final cleaning pass.
The patches meet my expectations. They provide reliable cleaning performance and are a cost-effective alternative to pre-cut patches.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Lyman 22-270 Caliber Butchs Patches is simple and functional. The patches are square, allowing for easy folding and manipulation. The material is soft and pliable, ensuring it won’t damage the bore of the firearm.
The build quality is adequate. The patches are consistently sized and relatively free of defects. There is no learning curve involved in using these patches.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lyman 22-270 Caliber Butchs Patches are designed to be disposable. They are durable enough to withstand repeated scrubbing during a cleaning session. With proper storage (keeping the bag sealed), they should last for a considerable amount of time.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply store the patches in a dry place and ensure the bag is sealed to prevent contamination.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman 22-270 Caliber Butchs Patches do not come with any accessories. They are intended to be used with standard bore brushes, jags, and cleaning rods. The patches can be used with a variety of bore cleaning solvents and oils from different brands.
There are no specific customization options for the patches themselves. However, users can customize the size and shape of the patches by cutting them to their desired dimensions. This allows for greater flexibility in cleaning different firearms.
Pros and Cons of Lyman 22-270 Caliber Butchs Patches
Pros
- Cost-effective: Offers a significant cost saving compared to pre-cut patches.
- Versatile: Suitable for cleaning a wide range of firearms from .22 to .270 caliber.
- Absorbent: Effectively soaks up solvents and oils for thorough cleaning.
- Durable: Holds up well to repeated scrubbing without tearing.
- Customizable: Can be cut to desired size and shape for specific cleaning needs.
Cons
- Lint: May leave behind a small amount of lint in the bore.
- No Accessories: Requires separate purchase of bore brushes and jags.
Who Should Buy Lyman 22-270 Caliber Butchs Patches?
The Lyman 22-270 Caliber Butchs Patches are perfect for:
- High-volume shooters who clean their firearms frequently.
- Gun owners looking for a cost-effective cleaning solution.
- Individuals who value versatility and customization in their cleaning supplies.
- Reloaders who already use Lyman products.
This product might not be ideal for:
- Those who prefer the convenience of pre-cut patches.
- Individuals who are extremely meticulous about lint-free cleaning.
Must-have accessories for using these patches include:
- Bore brushes in the appropriate caliber(s).
- A jag of the appropriate caliber(s).
- Bore cleaning solvent and gun oil.
- A cleaning rod.
Conclusion on Lyman 22-270 Caliber Butchs Patches
The Lyman 22-270 Caliber Butchs Patches offer an excellent value proposition for gun owners who prioritize cost-effectiveness and versatility in their cleaning supplies. While they may require a bit more effort than pre-cut patches due to the need for occasional trimming and the slight possibility of lint, the savings and adaptability more than compensate. These patches are a reliable and practical solution for maintaining firearms.
At $14.99 for 1000 patches, the price is definitely justified. The Lyman patches are a smart choice for any shooter.
I would personally recommend the Lyman 22-270 Caliber Butchs Patches to anyone looking for a budget-friendly and effective way to keep their firearms clean and well-maintained. Ditch the overpriced pre-cut squares and embrace the value of Lyman. Your wallet – and your firearms – will thank you.