NiB and Chrome bolts are both easier to clean than phosphate ones. You can run both in phosphated carriers with no problems.

If you choose NiB and run the carrier as well you get the buttery smoothness as a benefit though.


Keep in mind to not clean your bolt too much, the carbon buildup on the tail is normal and it will not effect function. You don't have to scrape it clean to bare metal everytime you shoot. Just clean off what easily flakes off without much effort there and let the rest be. It will sort itself out.

More damage is caused by excessive cleaning than by carbon buildup ;)