Quick Answer
To properly clean a .458 Lott rifle after a hunt, begin by field stripping the rifle and removing any remaining ammunition. Next, use a soft brush to remove debris and fouling from the chamber and bore. Finally, apply a cleaning solvent and a lubricant to the metal surfaces.
Pre-Cleaning Procedures
Before you start cleaning your .458 Lott rifle, ensure it is unloaded and the magazine is removed. If you’ve fired the rifle recently, let it cool down for at least 30 minutes to prevent any accidental discharges. Then, use a soft brush to sweep away any loose debris from the exterior of the rifle, paying particular attention to the bolt and magazine areas.
Cleaning the Chamber and Bore
Using a chamber brush, gently remove any fouling and debris from the chamber. Next, insert a patch or a cleaning rod with a bore brush attached, and push it through the barrel to remove any remaining fouling and lead residue. Be sure to use the correct patch size and brush type for your rifle, and apply moderate pressure to avoid damaging the barrel.
Final Cleaning and Lubrication
Once the chamber and bore are clean, use a soft cloth to wipe down the exterior of the rifle, paying attention to any areas with stubborn fouling. Next, apply a small amount of cleaning solvent to a cloth and wipe down the metal surfaces, including the bolt, magazine, and any other areas with fouling. Finally, apply a lubricant to the bolt and other moving parts, and reassemble the rifle.
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