ORIGINAL: Mike AR
Thanks for all the replys. Cayugad, any suggestions on the type/brand of penetrating oil? Also, the barrel may not be quite as bad as I first stated. I was able to clean about the first 10 inches or so of the bore and it scrubbed up pretty good.I got it to shineand can see the riffleing. But, the problem may still be more serious the closer you get to the breech. I don't know and may never find out if I can't get out the ramrod.
I always used some stuff called Liquid Wrench when something would not come loose, like the nipple. Almost any good oil will penetrate to some extent. Getting the ramrod out might be harder but I would get to a good air compressor. See if you can blow the whole works out after you get the nipple out....
If you're sure the barrel is finally clean, then I'd start with some J-B Bore Paste. I would see just how bad it really is. I was given a rifle in much the same condition are you have and although pitted it shoots great. I never push it more then 70 grains of Goex but with a roundball it is a good shooter.
If the barrel is shot, then you might try lapping the barrel and see what happens. At that point there is nothing to loose...
I'd look into that barrel Encoreman listed if it fit my rifle. That would be a good way to start the reconstruction project.