I have tried this a few times, and each time I have been able to clean a bore in less than 5 minutes. I spray a good bit of starter fluid down the barrel, push it down with a patched jag quickly to blow fouling out of the vent hole. Then keep using patches soaked in it, alternating with dry patches. I finish by drying the bore with several dry patches, then lube with an oil-soaked patch.
Bottom line... after shooting a .40 flintlock all afternoon, I was able to clean it in about 5 minutes. After a few hours, I just ran a clean dry patch down and it came out white.
I also took the lock off and sprayed it with starter fluid, wiped it down, and lubed with a suitable oil (Ballistol, Lehigh, etc).
Just thought I'd share this with you all, as it seems to be a very effective alternative. I know... everyone has their method they like, but I'm just throwing this out there, for those who may want an easy alternative to running water down the bore.