Removing lead from a comp

[andre3k]

The comp on my 9mm PCC is caked in lead. Should I remove it or leave it as is? What's the best way to get this stuff off? It's hard as a rock, scraping isn't doing anything. This is less than 500 rounds of buildup shooting exposed base FMJ.

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[studenygreg]

Ultrasonic and a brush?

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[andre3k]

Ultrasonic and a brush?

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Ultrasonic just gets it wet. Brush won't do anything. This isn't carbon buildup, it's lead.

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[Sam Colt]

The most effective way is also the most dangerous. “The dip.”

A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide creates a reactive solution which will remove the lead. But it creates Lead acetate which is hella toxic and can be absorbed through the skin.

Google

Suppressor cleaning "Dip" Instructions and Warnings​

 

[Bozz10mm]

Is that lead build up normal?

 

[andre3k]

Is that lead build up normal?

Yes, if you run a comp and bullets with exposed lead bases. Plated bullets run a lot cleaner.

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[Gordo]

To reduce/eliminate it from happening, try gas checks (yeah, I know, more work).

@Sam Colt
Thanks for the secret sauce formula.
Lead can be dissolved with muriatic acid, but that will also dissolve blueing, and aluminum.
It also puts off really hazardous fumes.

 

[baboon]

IIRC I bough a lead removal set up for my .44 magnum. It was pieces of copper screens that mounted on a jag and you pushed them through. It was a lot of time but it worked.

Age Verification - NRA

 

[ZX9RCAM]

How much does a new comp cost?

 

[Gordo]

I've seen better designs...

 

[studenygreg]

Blow torch

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[Gordo]

Only if he doesn't have a Glock (or some other toy gun),

 

[Gordo]

In all seriousness, you maybe want to slug your barrel, or get some of the low temp casting aloy from Brownells.
If it's oversize, then it is blowing flame past the bullet as it travels down the barrel, which will super heat the projectile.
Possible that who ever cut your barrel used a .357 blank, not a true 9mm (,355).

I run an A2 flash hider, and have zero lead build up on it, even with FMJ with exposed lead base.

 

[Ozzman]

If you have a Lee Pot, just dip it in some molten lead and it will come right off.

 

[zackmars]

The comp on my 9mm PCC is caked in lead. Should I remove it or leave it as is? What's the best way to get this stuff off? It's hard as a rock, scraping isn't doing anything. This is less than 500 rounds of buildup shooting exposed base FMJ.

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It doesn't matter. As long as there's nothing that can cause an obstruction you'll be fine.

If it bothers you, take it off and put a tri lug on it. Assuming it's a blowback PCC, the majority of the recoil impulse is from the bolt slamming back, not the actual bullet firing

 

[Gordo]

You may want to try these...
No Exposed Lead Projectiles

 

[RankAmateur]

If you have a Lee Pot, just dip it in some molten lead and it will come right off.

^This, or, the melting point of lead is just a bit over 600 degrees F. So, you can melt the lead off of the steel comp with an ordinary propane torch or even a butane kitchen torch. Avoid breathing fumes, and work out in advance how you'll hold the comp without getting burned, but the lead will melt easily.

 

[TheMailMan]

The Dip, or mercury will both work.

I have a couple .22 lr comps and a few 9mm comps that I need to clean every so often.

I cast my own bullets, coat with Hi-Tek, you still get lead.

 

[Plinker300]

I have used a baking soda blaster to clean .22 suppressor baffles. Works great! Doesn’t affect the finish. You can use a blasting cabinet, or free hand outside (which makes a mess).