First Thoughts on the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal
The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal are a seemingly simple product, but one that is utterly essential for any firearm owner who values the longevity and accuracy of their small-bore rifles and pistols. Southern Bloomer promises a thread-less, virtually lint-free cleaning experience at a very affordable price. For someone who spends a significant amount of time maintaining various firearms, the promise of a clean bore without the hassle of stray lint is incredibly appealing.
My need for these patches stemmed from a persistent frustration with the cheaper, bulk-packaged patches I’d been using. These always seemed to leave behind more lint than they removed, requiring multiple passes and leading to a less-than-ideal cleaning. I was looking for something that would reliably and efficiently clean my .17 HMR and .22LR rifles without leaving behind residue.
Upon opening the package, the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal felt noticeably different. The cotton knit material seemed denser and more tightly woven than the loose, almost gauze-like texture of competing brands. There’s not much to design in a cleaning patch, however the tightly woven cotton knit was a nice first impression.
Compared to generic patches from brands like Hoppe’s or even some off-brand bulk packs, the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal distinguished themselves with their apparent attention to material quality. The price point is similar, but the initial feel suggested a higher level of performance. My first impression was cautiously optimistic – hoping these patches would live up to their lint-free promise and make bore cleaning a less tedious task.
Real-World Testing: Putting Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal took place at my home cleaning bench after a session at the range with my .17 HMR rifle. The cleaning process involved using a bore solvent, followed by pushing patches through the barrel with a cleaning rod. I intentionally fired a high volume of rounds before cleaning to create a challenging environment for the patches.
The patches performed admirably under these conditions, exhibiting significantly less linting than my previous brand. The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal gripped the bore solvent well, effectively scrubbing the fouling and lead deposits. I noticed fewer instances of having to re-insert the cleaning rod to remove stubborn residue.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use on both my .17 HMR and .22LR rifles, the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal have proven to be a reliable cleaning tool. There has been minimal wear and tear on the patches themselves. The patches do not shred or fall apart during use, which is a common problem with cheaper alternatives.
Maintaining the patches is not a factor, as they are disposable. The consistent performance and lack of linting make the cleaning process far more efficient and less frustrating. The experience has been a definite upgrade from my previous cleaning routine; I feel much more confident about the cleanliness of my rifle bores.
Breaking Down the Features of Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal
Specifications
- Type: Cleaning Patches. This specifies the intended use of the product, which is for cleaning firearms.
- Size: .17 Cal-.20 Cal. This is the caliber range that these patches are designed to fit, making them ideal for .17 HMR, .17 WSM, and .22LR rifles and pistols.
- Quantity: 200 Per Pkg. Each package contains 200 individual cleaning patches, offering a generous supply for regular cleaning routines.
These specifications are important because they define the specific application and quantity of the product. The caliber range ensures proper fit within the bore, maximizing cleaning effectiveness. The quantity per package provides an ample supply for frequent use, enhancing the value proposition.
Performance & Functionality
The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal excel at their primary function: cleaning firearm bores. Their thread-less cotton knit construction minimizes linting, resulting in a cleaner bore and reducing the need for multiple cleaning passes. The patches effectively grip cleaning solvents and scrub away fouling.
The strength of these patches lies in their simplicity and effectiveness. The lack of linting is a significant advantage. This reduces cleaning time and contributes to better accuracy by ensuring the bore is truly clean and free of obstructions.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal is straightforward but effective. The cotton knit material provides a good balance of absorbency and scrubbing power. The weight is negligible, as expected for cleaning patches, and comfort is not a factor since they are used with a cleaning rod.
There is no real learning curve. The patches are designed for ease of use and can be immediately integrated into any existing cleaning routine.
Durability & Maintenance
The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal are designed to be disposable, so long-term durability isn’t a primary concern. However, the patches demonstrate sufficient durability during the cleaning process. The patches do not tear or disintegrate easily within the bore.
Maintenance is non-existent, as the patches are discarded after each use. The ease of disposal adds to the overall convenience and efficiency of using these cleaning patches.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal do not come with any additional accessories, nor are there any customization options available. They are a standalone product designed for a specific purpose. They can be used with any standard .17 to .20 caliber cleaning rod and bore solvent.
They are universally compatible with any cleaning solvents and oils designed for firearms. This broad 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: This is the biggest advantage. Reduced lint translates to a cleaner bore and less time spent cleaning.
- Effective Cleaning: The cotton knit material effectively scrubs away fouling and lead deposits.
- Good Absorbency: The patches hold cleaning solvents well, maximizing their cleaning power.
- Affordable Price: At $4.49 per package, these patches offer excellent value for the performance they provide.
- Consistent Performance: The patches perform reliably every time, with minimal tearing or disintegration.
Cons
- Caliber Specific: These patches are only suitable for .17 to .20 caliber firearms, limiting their versatility if you own a wider range of calibers.
- Disposable: While convenient, disposable patches generate waste, which may be a concern for environmentally conscious users.
Who Should Buy Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal?
The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal are perfect for:
- Small-bore rifle and pistol owners: Specifically, those who own .17 HMR, .17 WSM, or .22LR firearms.
- Shooters who value accuracy: A clean bore is essential for consistent accuracy, and these patches help achieve that.
- Hunters and target shooters: Anyone who regularly uses their small-bore firearms and needs a reliable cleaning solution.
- Gun owners seeking ease of use: The patches are simple to use and require no special skills or tools.
This product may not be ideal for:
- Gun owners who prefer reusable cleaning patches: Those looking to minimize waste may prefer washable alternatives.
- Individuals who own firearms of significantly different calibers: A more versatile cleaning kit with a variety of patch sizes might be a better option.
A must-have accessory for use with these patches is a high-quality cleaning rod designed for the appropriate caliber. A good bore solvent is also essential for effective cleaning.
Conclusion on Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal
The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal are a simple yet highly effective product that delivers on its promise of a lint-free cleaning experience. The patches are well-made, durable enough for the task at hand, and priced affordably. The value proposition is clear: clean your small-bore firearms quickly and efficiently, without the hassle of excessive lint.
For $4.49, the price is absolutely justified. The time saved and the assurance of a cleaner bore make these patches a worthwhile investment.
I would personally recommend the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .17 Cal-.20 Cal to anyone who owns a .17 to .20 caliber firearm. If you’re tired of dealing with linty patches and want a reliable cleaning solution, give these a try – you won’t be disappointed. Add these patches to your cleaning kit and experience the difference a truly clean bore can make!