Author Topic: Dirty bore on #1 45-70 (Read 902 times)

gcf · « **on:** January 17, 2005, 06:10:34 AM »

I have realized that an older, recently purchased #1 that groups very well (w/ the right load), has got some kind of deposit in the rifling grooves.

This stuff has been in there for some time (maybe 10 years), & is very resistent to my efforts to remove it.....

It's not copper, & doesn't appear to be lead. I suspect a combination of cast bullet lube & powder residue.

I have previously noted that the bore will wipe clean & look great (mirror) after a normal (Break Free / .45 copper brushing / clean patching) cleaning routine. Problem is that even though the bore wipes clean, it will continue to produce black residue w/ continued cleaning cycles as described.

Two of us worked on it about 5 hours yesterday. Bunch of patches, half a bottle of Break free, wore out 2 new brushes. Out of desparation, we even turned to the JB bore paste, which helped quite a bit, but still did not provide the "ultimate solution"....

I'm thinking a big bag of .50 cal brushes & a different kind of solvent. Butch's Bore Shine maybe? Draino??

Seriously, she groups very well as is, but I just can't help but think that good could be better, w/ a CLEAN bore...

Input seriously appreciated. Thanks in advance!

armory414 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2005, 11:39:00 AM »

I too like a clean bore, but. . .if it ain't broke, don't fix it. If your gun is reasonably clean, and it sounds like you take care to make sure it is, and the gun groups as well as you say. . .then do you think you can make an improvement by getting every bit of build-up out of the barrel?

oneb · « **Reply #2 on:** January 26, 2005, 03:20:20 AM »

A good soaking by a penetrating oil like Kroil has sometimes undercut and loosened the 'bite' of fouling materials in my guns. You may not want to know what's under there if it it has been the rifle that long.

good luck.
oneb

gcf · « **Reply #3 on:** January 26, 2005, 09:00:23 AM »

Quote from: oneb

A good soaking by a penetrating oil like Kroil has sometimes undercut and loosened the 'bite' of fouling materials in my guns. You may not want to know what's under there if it it has been the rifle that long.

good luck.
oneb

Thanks for your response. I have been wondering about Kroil for a while. Interestingly, the rifle is accurate, & the bore appears clean & shiny after the usual CLP / brushing / patching routine.

Repeating the routine multiple times just produces more dark residue that will wipe clean by the 2nd dry patch. I'm wondering if powder residue & CLP permeates the bore surface w/ time, much like a cast iron skillet...

Hot loads w/ jacketed Speer 350's, leave a bit of copper fouling on the lands, that comes out well w/ Sweet's.

Beginning to think it isn't a big issue. Further thoughts?

http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2131969283&idx=3

armory414 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 26, 2005, 01:13:16 PM »

One of the "theories" regarding barrel break-in is that there are microscopic pores in the metal on the lands that you essentially fill in with copper residue the first couple hundred rounds or so. So in a way, yes, it would be like removing the surface of a conditioned cast iron skillet.

bob allen · « **Reply #5 on:** January 26, 2005, 05:29:08 PM »

I have 2 #1s A .458 tropical and a .223 varmint.The .458 cleans quick and easy with normal solvents,etc.the .223 is a night mare with a build up much as you describe.no oils or solvents seemed to work,and I had gone the same route you have.In desperation I tried vel dish washing liquid and a product called citri-solve.Seemed to help me!! I think powder residue,carbon,graphite,....beats me.Some times I use a tile cleaner called tilex,........
B.A.