Quick Answer
Regularly clean your .17 HMR rifle by field stripping and inspecting the barrel, bolt, and magazines after each hunt, and perform a more thorough cleaning every 10-20 rounds fired.
Field Cleaning Techniques
For between-hunt maintenance, start by field stripping your rifle to access the barrel, bolt, and magazines. Use a soft brush to remove loose debris from the bolt and barrel, then apply a few drops of lubricant to the bolt and operating rod. Next, use a patch and cleaning solvent to wipe down the barrel, focusing on the lands and grooves. For the bolt and magazines, use a small brush to remove any stubborn debris.
Thorough Cleaning Methods
Every 10-20 rounds fired, perform a more thorough cleaning by disassembling the rifle and soaking the bolt and magazines in cleaning solvent overnight. Use a fine-grade scrubber to remove any stubborn fouling from the bolt and barrel, then reassemble the rifle and apply a few drops of lubricant to the bolt and operating rod. For the barrel, use a longer patch and apply more aggressive solvent to remove any heavy fouling.
Magazine and Bolt Maintenance
Don’t forget to regularly clean and maintain your magazines and bolt. Use a small brush to remove any debris from the magazine lips and follower, and apply a few drops of lubricant to the magazine spring. For the bolt, use a fine-grade scrubber to remove any stubborn fouling, and apply a few drops of lubricant to the bolt and operating rod. This will ensure smooth, reliable operation of your rifle between hunts.
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