Can You Use Hoppe’s No. 9 to Clean a Muzzleloader?

Hoppe’s No. 9 is one of the most recognizable gun-cleaning products on the market, but should you use it to clean a muzzleloader?

For removing black powder and black powder substitute residue, the answer is no. A dedicated water-based or appropriate muzzleloader cleaning solvent is a better choice for cleaning your muzzleloader.

However, that doesn't mean products commonly used with centerfire firearms have no place in your muzzleloader maintenance routine. The important thing is understanding the difference between cleaning powder residue and protecting your muzzleloader during storage.

Why Isn't Hoppe’s No. 9 Recommended for Cleaning a Muzzleloader?

Muzzleloaders produce different fouling than modern centerfire firearms, particularly when you're shooting black powder or black powder substitutes.

Using a petroleum-based cleaning product on black powder residue can mix with the fouling and create a sludge inside the bore. Instead of making the residue easier to remove, you may end up making the cleaning process more difficult.

That's why you should use a cleaning solvent designed for black powder and black powder substitutes when cleaning your muzzleloader. Thor cleaning products are a great option.

A water-based muzzleloader solvent is generally a much better choice for breaking down and removing this type of fouling.

What Should You Use to Clean a Muzzleloader?

For routine muzzleloader cleaning, use a dedicated water-based or appropriate citrus-based cleaning solvent designed to remove black powder fouling.

Apply the solvent to your cleaning patches and run them through the bore to break down the powder residue. Continue using wet patches as necessary, then follow with dry patches until the bore is clean and dry.

The goal is to remove the powder residue rather than simply coating or mixing with it.

Once the bore is clean, you can move on to protecting the metal for storage.

Can You Use Hoppe’s No. 9 After Cleaning Your Muzzleloader?

The distinction between cleaning and storage is important.

Once you've completely removed the black powder residue with the proper solvent and dried the muzzleloader, you can protect the metal before putting the rifle into storage.

At this stage, an appropriate gun oil or rust-preventative product can be used to leave a protective layer on the metal and help prevent corrosion.

In other words, don't rely on a petroleum-based product to remove your black powder fouling. Clean the muzzleloader with the appropriate solvent first, dry it thoroughly, and then apply your chosen metal protectant as part of the storage process.

Can You Use Alcohol Patches to Clean a Muzzleloader?

Alcohol patches can also have a place in your muzzleloader cleaning routine, particularly when you're looking for a quick way to remove residue or moisture in the field.

However, alcohol can leave the metal extremely dry after it evaporates.

If you use alcohol as part of your cleaning process, make sure you properly protect the metal afterward when the muzzleloader is going into storage. Applying an appropriate rust preventative or gun oil can help protect the dry metal from moisture and corrosion.

Why a Dedicated Muzzleloader Solvent Is the Better Choice

Having dedicated cleaning products for your muzzleloader simplifies the process.

Rather than relying on a solvent designed primarily around centerfire firearms, choose a cleaning product specifically suited for black powder and black powder substitute fouling.

A good muzzleloader cleaning routine should remove fouling from the bore, leave the firearm clean and dry, and prepare the metal for proper rust protection before storage.

The Bottom Line: Should You Use Hoppe’s No. 9 on a Muzzleloader?

For cleaning black powder and black powder substitute residue, we recommend using a dedicated water-based or appropriate muzzleloader cleaning solvent rather than Hoppe’s No. 9.

Once the fouling has been removed and your muzzleloader is completely clean and dry, use an appropriate oil or rust-preventative product to protect the metal during storage.

Keeping those two steps separate—cleaning the fouling first and protecting the metal afterward—will help you properly maintain your muzzleloader and keep it ready for your next trip to the range or hunting season.