Poor man's bore cleaner and protection from rust.

[Humpy]

Mix a solution of 1/3rd Mercon Dexron Automatic Transmission Fluid, 1/3rd mineral spirits and 1/3 diesel fuel. Scrub bore down well and leave it wet with this mixture. I have tested it for 14 months on a rifle stored muzzle down and it is still wet. Won't get thick in cold weather till about arctic temps are reached. The US name for this is Ed's Red. The full ER formula has acetone in it but I left it out as it can be absorbed through skin. I make it up using two quarts of each at a time and have it in various places in my shop etc. I put it in spray bottles and also have tilt top bottles so I can apply drops here and there.

I have also used it in fuel tanks of my vehicles as a upper cylinder lube. I put in about 6 ounces at a time.

It is also excellent on locks as it won't cause corrosion.

 

[ashray]

is redx not similar?

 

[Humpy]

Never heard that name before, sorry.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

is redx not similar?

Redex.
Redex is the UK’s number one fuel additive brand.

 

[reloader54]

This is where the acetone/ATF mix idea comes from (disclaimer I don't own a copy of this publication but have tried the mix and it works for me):


Machinists Workshop Mag published some information on various penetrating oils that I found very interesting. a subjective test of all the popular penetrates with the control being the torque required to remove the nut from a scientifically rusted environment.

*Penetrating oil .......... Average load*
None ........................... 516 pounds
WD-40 ..................... ... 238 pounds
PB Blaster .................... 214 pounds
Liquid Wrench ............... 127 pounds
Kano Kroil .................... 106 pounds
ATF*-Acetone mix...............53 pounds

The ATF-Acetone mix was a home brew mix of 50 - 50 automatic transmission fluid and acetone.

Note the home brew was better than any commercial product in this one particular test.

 

[Humpy]

I just looked up REDEX and don't know what to tell you. The ED's Red forumula is 1/3 automatic transmission fluid, 1/3 mineral spirits (paint thinner) and 1/3 K1 Kerosene or Diesel fuel. Mercon Dexron Transmission fluid is the recommended lubricant. You might check with automotive dealer that sells US vehicles. I make up 1 1/2 gallons at a time and it lasts for years. I have spray bottles all over my shop with it in it. Also tilt top drip bottles.

Acetone was one original ingredient but you sure don't want acetone on your hands as it will absorb into your body.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

[reloader54]

acetone is present in paint thinner anyway, and used in nail varnish remover, I don't think its as bad as you believe.

Acetone - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Rusty Gate]

is redx not similar?

No, redx is a carbon cleaner for the engine internals. Just add to petrol or pop some in plug hole spin over, let soak then fire up an hour later, smoky but clean when cleared. Although a different carbon I did wonder what it was like in a barrel but no copper removing qualities though.
Careful with Dextron/AQM or an AQF it can irritate skin, mine always prickles a rash. An EP gear oil could be applied on its own for same results

 

[Humpy]

Are you sure you need to remove copper to maintain best grouping ability? Many barrels won't group until they get fouled in properly. But then again if you have a tired barrel with heat checking (looks line hundreds of small cracks on top of the lands when viewed with a angle bore scope you might need to remove it. Worst heat checking I ever saw was on a 7MM Rem Mag target barrel that was given to me for a looksee after PO removed it from his rifle and replaced with a new one.
I saw the checking with my bore scope and told my friend what I saw and he was not surprised as he said his barrel starting going walkabout at 27 rounds in 1000 yard matches. The 7MM bullets have a long bearing surface and friction heat is set up and surface of steel "checks/cracks" when this happens and scrapes off copper of follow on bullets and eventually changes the bullet and then things go bad quickly.

 

[Humpy]

Evidently the Acetone you have in Britain is not the same Acetone we have here:

I was out in my loading room and spotted this and thought yawl might want to know why I don't use acetone. You can enlarge image to read all there is on the back. Maybe if we can get some politicians to drink this they will "EVAPORATE QUICKLY" per the below pic.

Acetone front

Acetone Back