Bore lapping
C.E. Harris writes about bore lapping in Am.Rifleman March 1990, Buying and Shooting Military Surplus Rifles, so as to improve accuracy. Wish information regarding this proceedure on .22 caliber bores. Will any of you that have first hand experience on this proceedure for .22 caliber please help me with your comments as I wish to learn this proceedure. I am familiar with "fire lapping". Thanks for your help. jclane40@yahoo.com
Dr. J. Curtis Lane
Dr. J. Curtis Lane
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Wheeler Engineering makes a bore lapping kit that I'm considering buying.Does anyone have experience with bore lapping and is there a real noticeable benefit on older rifles? As usual I rely on the good advice from members before wasting time and money. 0 -
"real noticeable benefit on older rifles?"........not that I can see, most benefit would be on new barrels to smooth and uniform the bore finish and rifling. 0 -
That's probably a good kit, but I never use anything but JB Bore paste to smooth up any unwanted ridges or tool marks in my bores. It will even remove a moly coat if you tried some moly bullets and didn't like the results. 0 -
I would say the kit would probably be a good deal if you don't own a good rod and jags. Otherwise, I would spend the money on a good Bore Tech or Dewy cleaning rod and a little jar of J-B Bore paste. 0 -
DBuesching,
I've talked to folks who will swear by this process but when I tried it on several barrels, from brand new to older, all it did was erode the throat.
First and foremost, bullets coated with lapping compound really only affect the throat of the chamber since that's where the compound is concentrated. Essentially, you're eroding your throat prematurely while trying to smooth out the entire inside of your barrel.
You best bet is the thoroughly clean the bore first then try the lapping using a cleaning rod. Also this is NOT a ram and jam proposition, you need to exercise care and precision.
If you really want to try this interior lapping, I suggest getting a good rod with a ball bearing handle and an under size brush with patches that fit fairly tight in the bore. Wrap a patch around the brush and apply a little Iosso Bore lapping compound, J-B or other brand being sure that it states clearly that it is NON-Imbedding.
Go slow as you approach the muzzle since that's where the crown is. If you lap the crown all bets are off for any kind of accuracy. Keep the brush and patch inside the muzzle. If the bore is really dirty with fouling and carbon, you need to push the patch through once and DO NOT drag it back through your bore as the carbon will leave more scratches.
Again, go slow and take your time, concentrate on keeping the rod and brush straight in the bore. Lap a little then clean the bore and take a good look. A borescope helps tremendously but most folks choose not to afford them and I understand. When you think you have the problem solved, do a thorough cleaning being careful once again to avoid damaging the crown.
This is a quick summary so use a good search engine to locate some of the dozens of articles about bore lapping. Some will have illustrations and pictures.
If you have more questions, ask.
Best.0 -
Nononsense' advice is very good. Prior to retirement I was the Chief Firearms Test Engineer at Browning Arms in the R&D Division.
One of my assignments was the development of the BOSS system of accuracy wherein I fired well over 32,000 very carefully aimed shots and acheived groups under 1/4 M.O.A. regulartly in all calibers tested.
I used JB's compound almost exclusively, and found it to be the best bet for cleaning and improving the bore.0 -
Once again,great advice from members,it was unanimus, everyone recommended J-B so that's what i'll do.My very best to all of you. dave 0
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