Cayugad,
I used the bore light suggestion, (357mag casing in my 45 cal).
And it lit up like a new coin in there. The bore had a mirror gloss
shineall the way down. There was a small amount of pitting at
the top of the muzzle to a depth of about 2" to 2 1/4", but the
rifling looked good all the way. I'm hoping it's the powder now.
Our local wally-world only has Hogdon 777 left on the shelf. I've
seen alot of post about the "crud ring" with 777. Do you have to
swabafter every shot with this powder to avoid this? What load
are you using on the squirrels in the 54? Just curious. I have two
54's, one TC Hawken and a Cabelas Hawken.

Roundball,
I think you deserve the bright bore credit. I used your cleaning recipe last
night, and worked on it for an hour and a half scrubbing, scalding and
soaking. I had to substitute some of the ingredients as I didn't have them
on hand. But I intend to get them for future needs. I was amazed to see
how nice and clean the bore turned out. I see no reason the barrel would
be an accuracy problem now. I'm going to take it out to the firing line within
a few days and pop her off and see what happens.
I agree a 100% on the actual practice simulations.
I will have to say though, if you and I were in a tennis match you would
have to serve. Because theirs no way I could hit the ball at 50yrds right
now. The net maybe but not the ball. (LOL)

I am most greatfull to you guys for your help. And I'll post back shortly
with my results.