Readying a Ruger #1 45/70 to shoot PP bullets

[ripshod]

I have a Ruger #1 45/70.It Has no throat and a tight spot in the barrel where the barrel band swivel attachment is located.I would like to shoot paper patched bullets and I know that both of these problems are going to have to be addressed.What is the best cure?ripshod

[Nobade]

Do you want to shoot it with smokeless or black powder? If black, the lack of throat is perfect. You will be shooting bore size bullets, and the less room that bullet has to be expanded out of shape the better. If shooting smokeless you will be shooting groove size bullets, and a bit of throat will help. Just touch it with a regular 45 cal. throating reamer for a nice smooth lead in. As for the tight spot, fire lapping works wonders there. That will also smooth out the throat, which again if you're going to shoot it with black may not be what you want.

[ripshod]

I will be shooting smokeless.I do have an old Neco fire lap kit.What grit should I use and how hard of a bullet should I lap with?ripshod