Newbie questions about rust/corrosion

[HandyAndy]

Thanks everyone for taking time to explain things.

The reason I am asking is as a teen I had a beat up semi sporterized WW1 8mm rifle and shot surplus corrosive ammo. I remember cleaning it with hot soapy water, drying it and oiling it afterwards. The barrel bore would still always rust slightly after a few days. If it wasn't cleaned it would rust really bad overnight. I once bought a box of commercial ammo ( very expensive compared to the $0.05 rd surplus ammo ) and shot a few rounds and let it sit overnight. No rust. Not sure what I was doing wrong with the hot soapy water method. I lived in a non humid area then, but now I live in reclaimed swampland, so rust is a big concern.

What's the easiest routine for a newbie to start with? I'm going to be starting with revolvers.

Is removing nipples after shooting a normal thing?

 

[NorthFork]

Yes. Remove the nipple.

 

[51colt]

I have been using Goop and GoJo waterless hand cleaner without pumice to clean my cap and ball revolvers. The hand cleaner melts black powder/Pyrodex fouling I just brush it in and wipe it off and it leaves it lightly oiled. Places like the chambers I pack with paper towels it wicks up 95 % of the hand cleaner/fouling. I push the paper towels out using a punch. I live in a warm dry climate I have been getting no rust and by guns look great. The last gun I shot I was out of beeswax/Crisco lube I used Vasoline instead the hand cleaner did not work on the fouling in the barrel Bristol and water cleaned it right up. My old black bore brushes and toothbrushes look brand new after rinsing off the hand cleaner with water. Here is an article on using hand cleaner. Handling Cap and Ball Revolvers – SUVCW Camp 22

 

[BallBoy]

Has anyone tried pure coconut oil for rust prevention etc?

 

[Kansas Jake]

For rust prevention I just stick with Baricade, a proven gun oil or 3 in 1 oil. I used the latter with excellent results for many years. In the last year or two I’ve also used Baricade.

Coconut oil does give you nice soft skin though.

 

[AZbpBurner]

Corrosive black powder residue cannot be "neutralized" - it is dissolved with water and flushed out. A thorough cleaning routine includes flushing out the corrosive salts and fouling, removing residual water, then using a good rust preventative.

Back in the 60's I used Birchwood Casey's 'Sheath' - today they call it 'Barricade'. It is effective and IMO, there is nothing better.