Favored bore solvent? Hoppes No.9, the vintage stuff with the nitrobenzene formulation, because it works for 98% of barrel cleaning, and the smell is pure heaven. I don't know what they use in the newer version, but it's not the same. However, what's best depends upon the situation. We don't deal with leading much anymore since most shells use plastic shot cup wads. Heavy plastic deposits from quick successive shooting in a hot bore will require something capable of dissolving plastic. I like Mercury Quicksilver which is sold at Mercury outboard dealers for dissolving gunk in engines. It is cheaper per ounce than any plastic dissolving bore cleaner and works as well or better. It will leave the metal dry after it evaporates and should be promptly followed by gun oil. Any of the volitile organic solvent cleaners should be kept off of the skin and used in a ventilated area. Even the old Hoppes. But I like to think it's like good bourbon... a little won't hurt ya.
