barrel cleaning

[cumminsbassguy]

hey guys, my barrel needs some tlc. I read about this barrel lapping kit from beartoothbullets.com.  each bullet has different grits to scrub the barrel clean. ive tried taking oil and a brass scrubber to it for about a half hour each time and still no results. just checking to see if anyone has any tricks of the trade.

[j_h_nimrod]

When you say TLC are you meaning rusty, lead fouled, powder fouled, rough bore, etc.?  The barrel lapping kit you reference is meant to smooth a new or rough bore closer to a nicely lapped finish and making it (hopefully) more accurate.  It is not meant to clean a dirty bore. Are you only using oil with your bronze brush?  Oil is not a good solvent for fouling and you need to be using something appropriate to cut the fouling before you go back and protect the bore with oil.

[JLS]

hey guys, my barrel needs some tlc. I read about this barrel lapping kit from beartoothbullets.com.  each bullet has different grits to scrub the barrel clean. ive tried taking oil and a brass scrubber to it for about a half hour each time and still no results. just checking to see if anyone has any tricks of the trade.

Get some Wipe Out.  Also, make sure you are running your rod through from the breech/chamber and use a bore guide.

Use the right tools for cleaning your bore, otherwise you may be doing more harm than good.

[Bob33]

What indicators are you seeing or experiencing that lead you to believe the barrel needs additional care?

[theleo]

Lapping the barrel is meant to smooth out any ruff spots in your barrel left from when the rifling was cut. If you're just removing copper fouling or leading elbow grease is your best friend as the lapping will likely effect the accuracy of your rifle, and if it's already accurate you could be sending it down a road you may not like.

[hunterofelk]

Curious.  Your talking about a muzzleloader?  I was told never to use solvents with muzzleloaders.  I say if the barrel is that bad, scrap it and get a new one. 

[cumminsbassguy]

i was using a solvent, running it through, letting it soak  then taking my brush through.    I got the b.p for Christmas 9 or so years ago, it got left in the stand for about 8 months  ( had been getting ready for basic so I completely forgot about it)  and also being  young and inexperienced I never cleaned it. ill see if I cant get a picture of it. but there seems to be some corrosion around the barrel and what not.   its no where near sighted in,  I ran through 15 rounds last fall and couldn't hit paper.  also didn't help that I couldn't see where my shots were being placed.  would like to get this ol girl back into shape for sentimental reasons. but also contemplating the cva optima (nw version)

[j_h_nimrod]

It sounds like this barrel may need more help than a cleaning can accomplish. Once metal leaves as rust it can not come back to make a barrel shoot. It sounds like there are other issues, how far away were you trying to hit the paper/sight it in?

[hunterofelk]

I get being distracted.  You might have to hang it up on pegs for decoration.  A new gun is always fun.  Thank you for your service. 

[Bill W]

i was using a solvent, running it through, letting it soak  then taking my brush through.    I got the b.p for Christmas 9 or so years ago, it got left in the stand for about 8 months  ( had been getting ready for basic so I completely forgot about it)  and also being  young and inexperienced I never cleaned it. ill see if I cant get a picture of it. but there seems to be some corrosion around the barrel and what not.   its no where near sighted in,  I ran through 15 rounds last fall and couldn't hit paper.  also didn't help that I couldn't see where my shots were being placed.  would like to get this ol girl back into shape for sentimental reasons. but also contemplating the cva optima (nw version)

I bet we could get this rifle cleaned up on the inside and shooting again.  If it were me I'd run some stuff thru to clean up the rust and corrosion.   I'd probably start out with a penetrating oil.  After getting it cleaned out I'd probably use JB bore paste on a cleaning brush that's wrapped with patches to match the size of the bore.  I'd give it some good scrubbing with that to smooth out the rough spots.  After that I'd determine what size projectile to use.   If it's a maxi ball you might need something a tad wider.  If it's a ball thicker patching could pick up the difference. 

I've done fire lapping in modern firearms to smooth out rough spots in rifling and improve accuracy.

[cumminsbassguy]

I'm going to give her one last go at cleaning before I try and buy a different one.    This new Remington 700 series look pretty cool  but isn't be legal.       I was trying at 50 and 25.   But I'm pretty sure that was more my fault then the guns.   Now that it's dry.  Much easier to see shots

[sjhgraysage]

Cummins
I am in Spokane. I have been tinkering with front loaders for several years. You can send me a private message if you want me to see if I can help you figure this out.

[usmc74]

I bought some 50 Cal, SS bore brushes from Brownells or Midway.  Even with those, it was not enough to save the bore of my old rifle.  I bought a new one.

What kind of rifle was it?

Oh, and thank you for your service!

[cumminsbassguy]

It's a CVA buckhorn.  I'm probably going to buy a new one for hunting, and keep that for plinking, if I can get it somewhat accurate

[cumminsbassguy]

And also you're welcome.   Thank you for your guy's too