Soaking solvent

[358156 hp]

I hesitate to say this out loud, but I once bought a used 686 that had horrendous cylinder fouling at the the 38 Special line. The bore was magnificently leaded as well (another story). After a week of clean/soak cycles I scrounged up an orphan 357 max case and flared it excessively until it had to be pressed into the 686 chambers with some effort. Then I tapped it down with a light brass hammer until the case wouldn't go any further, then I knocked it back out with my trusty brass rod. Much of the fouling came out, and the rest cleaned up pretty quickly.

I had to reflare the case a few times to get all the chambers clean, but it did work. Most of the fouling turned out to be one of those unfortunate combinations of lead, bullet lube, and carbon. I would still be trying to clean it out if I hadn't cheated. My guess is that the gun had only been fired with 38 Spl, probably hot loads with swaged bullets and the bullets riveted at the bases as they entered the throats.

Shortly there after, I purchased an Outers Foul-Out.

 

[Brad]

I have considered using a pin gauge to find a snug fit for the chambers. Turn a chunk of steel to the right diameter and leave a sharp shoulder on it. Slip into chamber and shove it home softly. Tap back out and ring is largely gone.

 

[Mitty38]

I never really worried about it, after all I have a Taurus 66. Always shot both .38 and .357 brass. With .357 just put it in the cylinder, and smacked on them with a ball peen till they seated or went off. Either way the cylinder got cleaned out.

Actually since I have owned it.
Rem Oil, in the cylinder before I put it away. About every time. A few days later or When it comes back out. Push a couple patches thru before I go shoot. Have only saw the formation of carbon rings start once. Once thru with a chore boy pellet and gone. Never had an issue with shooting .357 in that gun.
BTW, Never clean the barrel per say, just a slightly damp patch of oil soaked rag followed by a dry patch if i am putting it up for a while.

 

[Joshua]

I bell the necks on a few pieces of .357 Mag brass and use them as a scraper in conjunction with oil or solvent. A few light taps and the ring is gone.

I’m cheap, half way to 90, and I don’t care who knows. That .38 Special brass is inexpensive, and plentiful. I’m gonna keep shooting it in my .357 Mag revolvers.

Josh