I had some time today and went to the range and fired my CVA sidelock about 20 times.

I made the Windex WetPatches and left my bolt open to hear the air as Sabotloader advised. The Windex really gets a ton of soot out. I wet patched after each shot and followed the wet patch with a dry. IS THAT THE BEST PROCEDURE?

I shot all my .50 cal, 240 gr. Mag Sabots without bore butter on them this time. Absolutely no problem.

Our range is only 50 yards. I'm not a great shot, the rifle is scoped. My first 7 or 8 shootsgrouped at 3". But I ran out of Pyrodex and switched over to some Triple 7 I purchased. My next 5-6 shots didn't group as well. Maybe 5"? CAN A CHANGE IN POWDER MAKE THAT BIG OF AN EFFECT? I noticed the Triple 7 pellets looked smaller in diamter than the Pyrodex?

I broke my Bore Plug after 3 & 8 shots today. Plus, I only hand tightened it this time. No problem getting it out when I got home! Ive been using Miltec Grease. Seems to works fine.

Before shooting today, I notice little specks in my barrel. IS THIS RUST? After shooting last time, I used the copper brush, wet patched with Ed'd Red Bore Cleaner and laid up with wet patches of CLP.

Today.....I took everybody's advice and used the Plunger with hot soapy water followed by all the above. I'd hate to have rust in my barrel but this is a used ML and may have been there before? I couldn't for the life of me get those specks out.

Thanks for the help,

MCIM