IS A CHAMBER REAMER THE ANSWER ?

[Dellboy]

I and a few of my friends all shoot 38 lever action Marlins all stamped up 38/357 .
Most of the timr (99%) we shoot 38 special but now we have a range available for 357magnum 3 of the guns will not take them despite a thorough clean ,so do we need to ream the chamber to eliminate the carbon ring ?
if so where would be the best place to buy one ?

[IainWR]

I'm no expert, but using a reamer to deal with carbon deposits sounds a bit harsh to me. Breech stick wrapped in Scotchbrite?

[ukrifleman]

For starters, I would purchase a spray can of carburettor cleaner from your local car accessory shop and run a bronze brush through, using a battery drill and cleaning rod.

A chamber reamer seems like a bit of overkill to me.

Secondly, I would stick to .357 brass!

ukrifleman

[Dellboy]

For starters, I would purchase a spray can of carburettor cleaner from your local car accessory shop and run a bronze brush through, using a battery drill and cleaning rod.

A chamber reamer seems like a bit of overkill to me.

Secondly, I would stick to .357 brass!

ukrifleman

Tried the carb cleaner but will give it another go

[dodgyrog]

Do NOT use a reamer as you will increase the headspace and take gun out of proof
You need a thorough clean - Kroil might help - Saddler sells it

[bradaz11]

For starters, I would purchase a spray can of carburettor cleaner from your local car accessory shop and run a bronze brush through, using a battery drill and cleaning rod.

A chamber reamer seems like a bit of overkill to me.

Secondly, I would stick to .357 brass!

ukrifleman

Tried the carb cleaner but will give it another go

what brand are you using? not are are created equal. might be worth getting another brand. I like Wurth brake cleaner, seems pretty good stuff

[snayperskaya]

Try Ballistol Robla Solo......let it soak in the chamber and it will dissolve the carbon, it will also remove carbon and copper fouling from the barrel.It stinks like hell but is seriously effective, just make sure you flush it through and clean and lube afterwards.

[Alpha1]

Don't use a chamber reamer.
I'm curious if you have all been using 38 special with satisfactory results why do you suddenly feel the need to start shooting .357.

[Dellboy]

Don't use a chamber reamer.
I'm curious if you have all been using 38 special with satisfactory results why do you suddenly feel the need to start shooting .357.

Longer range available outside

[dromia]

I suspect that as well as a carbon ring you will have lead and perhaps even worse copper fouling in there as well.

Jam some cleaning rags into the affected area and soak with pure turpentine for at least 24 hours then push through with tight patches.

Best to put the rod down the barrel from the muzzle end with a loop jag on it, fit the patch onto the loop in the receiver and pull the tight patch into the chamber 'till it is well gripped and then push out into the breech.

Repeat soak and clean as necessary.

In future use 357 cases even with 38 special loads.