Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal Review

The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal Made a Bold First Impression

For anyone serious about firearms maintenance, the seemingly simple cleaning patch is a vital component. The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal promises quality, affordability, and availability, a trifecta that immediately piqued my interest. Having used countless patches over my decade-plus in the outdoor and tactical world, I’ve learned that not all patches are created equal; some fall apart, some leave excessive lint, and others simply don’t do the job effectively. My experiences have taught me that a truly great cleaning patch needs to be durable, absorbent, and, crucially, lint-free.

I was driven to try the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal due to increasing frustration with the excessive lint left behind by my previous brand. My .22 rifles, particularly those with tighter bores, were requiring multiple cleaning passes, adding unnecessary time and effort to my maintenance routine. Upon receiving the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal, the first thing I noticed was the uniform cut and the seemingly tight weave of the cotton knit. The patches felt substantial in hand, suggesting good durability, and the absence of loose threads was immediately apparent.

Compared to Hoppe’s .22 caliber patches, which I’d been using previously, the Southern Bloomer patches felt denser and less prone to unraveling. Against the cheaper, generic patches I sometimes use for less critical cleaning tasks, the Southern Bloomer stood out with its superior construction and apparent quality. I chose Southern Bloomer primarily because of the promise of being virtually lint-free, a crucial aspect that others failed to deliver on. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; they looked the part of a high-quality cleaning patch, but the true test would be in their performance.

Real-World Testing: Putting Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal took place at my home workbench, cleaning my well-used Ruger 10/22 after a day of informal target shooting. The rifle was moderately dirty, with typical powder residue and lead fouling. I used the patches in conjunction with a standard .22 caliber cleaning rod and bore brush, along with my usual solvent. The initial pass through the bore with a solvent-soaked patch was noticeably smoother compared to my previous patches.

In slightly damp conditions, the patches held up well without tearing or leaving bits of cotton behind. The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal conformed nicely to the bore, ensuring good contact for effective cleaning. What impressed me most was the minimal lint left behind. I typically have to run multiple dry patches through the bore after cleaning to remove residual lint, but with the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal, a single pass was often sufficient.

There were no immediate issues or surprises, other than the pleasant realization that the patches performed exactly as advertised. My first impression was extremely positive; a clean bore with minimal effort.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal continue to impress. The durability is excellent; even when pushing patches through a tight bore with stubborn fouling, they rarely tear or shred. The consistent weave and quality of the cotton knit have proven to be reliable over multiple cleaning sessions.

There’s virtually no visible wear and tear on the patches themselves until they are being used. After use, they show typical signs of residue and fouling, as expected. Maintenance is non-existent, as they are disposable. They are consistently easy to clean with, as the patches are single-use. Comparing them to previous experiences, the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal significantly outperform other brands in terms of lint reduction and overall cleaning efficiency.

Breaking Down the Features of Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal

Specifications

• The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal are specifically designed for .22 caliber firearms. This ensures a proper fit within the bore for optimal cleaning.
• They are made from a threadless cotton knit, a key factor in their lint-free performance. This threadless design prevents the shedding of fibers that can accumulate in the bore and potentially affect accuracy.
• The patches are cut to a precise size for .22 caliber use. This eliminates the need for trimming or folding, saving time and ensuring consistent cleaning.
• The packaging emphasizes quality, price, and availability. This highlights the manufacturer’s focus on providing a cost-effective and readily accessible product.
• The patches are manufactured by Southern Bloomer. The Southern Bloomer brand is known for its commitment to quality and American-made products.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the effectiveness and convenience of firearm cleaning. The caliber-specific design and lint-free material contribute to a thorough and efficient cleaning process.

Performance & Functionality

The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal perform their job exceptionally well. They are highly effective at removing powder residue, lead fouling, and other debris from the bore of .22 caliber firearms. The lint-free design minimizes the need for multiple cleaning passes, saving time and effort.

The main strengths are the minimal lint, durability, and consistent size. A minor weakness could be that due to the high quality material, they absorb more solvent, requiring more solvent per cleaning than cheaper alternatives. They absolutely meet and exceed my expectations for a .22 caliber cleaning patch.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is simple and functional: a precisely cut cotton knit patch. The material used is a high-quality cotton knit, making the patches durable and absorbent. The patches feel comfortable to use as a cleaning instrument, however, the design is not based on comfort, but rather functionality.

They are extremely user-friendly, requiring no special techniques or tools. There is no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

These patches are designed for single use, so their lifespan is limited to one cleaning session. However, their durability during that single session is excellent. There is no maintenance required, as they are disposable.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal do not come with any accessories, nor do they require any customization. Their function is simple and direct, and they are designed to be used with standard .22 caliber cleaning rods, brushes, and solvents. They are compatible with cleaning tools from most major brands.

Pros and Cons of Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal

Who Should Buy Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal?

The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal are perfect for:

• Target shooters and plinkers who value accuracy and consistent performance from their .22 rifles.
• Hunters who rely on their .22s for small game and need to ensure reliable operation.
• Firearms enthusiasts who take pride in maintaining their guns in pristine condition.
• Anyone looking for a high-quality, lint-free cleaning patch for their .22 caliber firearms.

Who should skip this product? Someone who does not own or intend to clean a .22 caliber firearm.
A must-have accessory is a .22 caliber cleaning rod and bore brush, along with a quality gun solvent.

Conclusion on Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal

The Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal are an exceptional product that delivers on its promises. The combination of quality construction, minimal lint, and affordable price makes them a standout choice for anyone who owns and maintains .22 caliber firearms. The fact that they are American-made is an added bonus.

The price of $4.49 is absolutely justified, considering the quality and performance. The reduction in cleaning time and the peace of mind knowing that my bore is truly clean make them well worth the investment. I wholeheartedly recommend the Southern Bloomer Cleaning Patches .22 Cal to any .22 owner looking for a reliable and effective cleaning solution. Upgrade your cleaning routine and experience the difference a quality patch can make; you won’t be disappointed.