I once owned a TC Renegage in .54 cal percussion, and eventually the barrel stopped shooting the tight groups to whichI was accustomed. Not sure why. I made my own balls from a Lee mould, but I also used .54 cal T/C Maxi Balls, and I tried to be meticulous about ensuring the rifle and bore were protected with rust preventive lubricants.

It grouped more like a shotgun blast, shot to shot, one year after several months in storage. I quit using it as a result. But I'm considering getting back into the muzzleloading hunt with a Lyman Great Plains flinter in .54 calibre.

I guess my question is how do I avoid this happening again with my new muzzleloader? I know I used wheel weights at times in making my round balls, so I'm wondering if my wheel weight made round balls made the barrel go bad or the "modern" lubricants I used. I am presuming the T/C Maxis were pure lead.