As Edgar says, RST prices are the same whether you order on the internet or face to face. Face to face, you get to look at some neat stuff up close. When I can see the product, I always fall for the paper shells.

I think I'll bite the bullet and buy a tico. Thanks to all. By the way, I had the RST's on hand from a purchase last year. So I used them this past weekend. Shooting this 20 ga repro was a joy.

I have zero problem cleaning RST fouling. It is really a non-problem. I have used a 50/50 mix of Hoppe's #9 and Kroil for every thing- light low pres loads in Parkers, High Power Service Rifle competitions, and 3 1/2 in 12 ga through goose guns. Get the bore good and wet (really wet), let it sit for an hour or two and clean normally. It takes all the powder fouling and all the plastic wads residue. Lightly coat the bore with your favorite product and you are in business. It is that simple- don't make it a problem.

Bite the bullet? They're cheaper than dirt.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/724...od-20-gauge-35

I'll bite the dirt then...Bean's sells them as does Kittery. They're fair traded and depending on gauge run between $14-$16 and change. I'll pick one up.

Pick up one for each gauge. The 12 is tight in the 16, impossible to get through a 20. The shaft is, or used to be made with a wooden dowel, and I snapped one in half trying to push it through the wrong gun. They claim they are washable, but at nearly 3' long, I find it difficult to get them into the washing machine.

Edgar,

They don't fit in my washing machine either but I have found they do fit rather well in my shower. When they are dirty I take them in the shower with me. I use Dawn dishwashing soap (on the cleaning rods) and make sure they are rinsed well. Obviously I let them thoroughly dry before using them again in a bore. For me it is quick and easy.

Dennis

Most of the guns I have owned over the past 40 years were/are antiques. I discovered that factory loads, and most of my handloads, left quite a bit of residue in the bores and chambers. I just figured that, in order to keep pressures down to original specs, the smokeless powders developed left residue. It is a simple way to look at it, but it seems to be true in my experience.

Edgar and Dennis, I think I came across a web site the other day that has 2 piece Tico Tools. Maybe it was Midway.

How did we go from a discussion about RST loads (are they clean or not) to taking a shower with your favorite cleaning rod!!!!

What kind of a forum is this???? lol

Any fouling you might find in a modern shell is nothing compared to using black powder. My reloads are all low pressure but I don't encounter any massive cleaning delima's.