Measuring Bore Diameter In Sidelocks
 

Things are a little slow on the forum. So I thought I would post a tried and true process most of you guys already know. But it may be useful to some new guy.

If you have a micrometer or calipers there's an easy way to determine the precise diameter of the bore of a muzzleloader that has a fixed breech.

First, make sure the bore is very clean and lightly oiled. Slide a brass rod that's about six inches long and slightly under bore diameter into the bore. If a brass rod isn't handy, a steel rod may be used, but should be wrapped with tape around each end to protect the bore. Then oil a soft lead ball that's slightly larger than the bore and tap it into the bore five or six inches deep. Now wipe the bore between the ball and the muzzle with an oil patch, then hold the barrel (or gun) at it's mid-point and rock it up and down in a see-saw fashion so the rod slides back and forth within the bore and taps the ball back out. Guide it to fall on a soft surface. It will be perfectly engraved with the barrel's lands and grooves for measuring.

Sounds familiar. Didn't Paul Vallandigham post that?

I have no idea. It's quite possible and has probably been posted hundreds of times. The procedure has been around for many many years. I can recall doing it back in the 60s when I had hair and a thin waist. But it's always new to someone.

If Paul V posted it then it's hands down the only way to get an accurate measurment and he knows because he's an expert on everything...if you don't believe that just ask him and he'll tell you.

BPS

As I understand it BPS, Paul was God's kindergarten teacher. :s2:

Is a Hornady Round Ball considered a piece of soft lead?

I would worry that every thing would get stuck.

If you think Paul is long winded on the forum. You should talk to him in PM's. It's like reading a novel.

I kind of like the guy though. He seems to enjoy typing. :biggrin:

It was always supposed to be pure lead, but that was suspect. They changed awhile back, but nobody knows if that means pure lead now or not.

It seems pretty soft. I've smashed them down thin to use as a shim for flints.