Leading?

Jenks · 12-27-2011, 04:50 PM

Here is another question for those in the know. I used to shoot lead bullets in a .357 sometimes and it would lead up the barrel something terrible. Does the barrel of a black powder rifle lead up when shooting conicals? There is only the lube to keep it from happening. I have only shot a few and have not noticed any leading of the bore. Thanks

Semisane · 12-27-2011, 05:12 PM

Personally, I don't believe it's possible to shoot a lead conical without leaving at least some trace of lead in the bore. The more they're shot without cleaning out the residue the greater the build up. Also, the higher the velocity the more build up. A bore button will prevent melting of the base of the bullet and reduce it, but that lead (even lubed) is rubbing against steel. It just has to leave something behind. A lot of supposedly "shot out" TC sidelock barrels turn out to be just fine after getting years of lead build-up from shooting maxi-balls out of the grooves.

Jenks · 12-27-2011, 05:20 PM

Thanks, Semisane. After shooting the few that I did I cleaned the barrel with three batches of hot, soapy water. After it was dry I went to work with some Hoppes #9. I could not see that there was any more then a trace of lead, but I would think that it would rub off on the steel barrel. I had a T/C Hawken that was rusted when I got it, I don't want that to happen to me, so I try to keep the barrel clean and oiled.

sabotloader · 12-27-2011, 05:21 PM

Semisane

Agree!

lemoyne · 12-27-2011, 06:11 PM

My experience is that you get a small amount of leading under 1400 FPS but if you don't scrub it out now and then it can accumulate. Also that the faster you go over 1400 the faster it leads up and at 1800 or over with pure lead you can make a mess.

cayugad · 12-27-2011, 06:59 PM

Yes they can lead up. But with proper maintenance such as a bore brush and a solvent that removes lead, done on a timely schedule, I do not think it would be a problem. I shoot White Rifles and all I shoot out of them is lead conicals. BUT I do take a good brush, dip it in Hoppe's #9 and scrub the bore every so often. And I have never seen a lead build up yet.

Jenks · 12-28-2011, 05:23 AM

OK, Guys, I am a fan of Hoppes #9 on regular guns so I will forget the "Bore Butter buildup" and scrub it all out with a brass brush and Hoppes. I had a TC that a friend had done the Bore Butter scheme with. When I washed out the Bore Butter there was rust under it. Maybe it rusted before he used the Butter, I don't know. I sold that gun to a guy who was going to put a different barrel on it. I will end each shooting session with hot soapy water then brush with Hoppes after it drys. I clean my guns far more then I shoot them anyway, and like the bores to shine.

I had a Lee's lead puller for that old .357. I gave the gun to one of my sons, but I think I still have the lead puller around somewhere. It worked to some extent, but shooting a jacketed bullet every other round seemed to work too. I don't see ads for the Lee's any more, they must have gone under.