Original RB No 1 Sporting Rifle - Doesn't Shoot

[Wayne Smith]

Mike,

My bullets are 1-16 alloy, which is what I've read was the original alloy for the 45-70 cartridge.

Dave

It was for Sharps, Remington used 1-20.

[John in PA]

Just a thought. I believe you stated that the rifling is clean and sharp as far as you can see from the breech and that only the last third seems affected. Is there a possibility that the last third is badly leaded rather than shot out or rusted out? Plug the bore with a wood plug, fill it with mercury and let it stand muzzle down for a couple days. Then carefully drain the mercury off and either thump the muzzle on a block of wood or use a dry bronze bore brush and brush out the lead/mercury amalgum. Or, if you have access, use one of the fancy electronic lead removing gizmos)

[Dave T]

Thanks for the thought John but it's already off the the gunsmith for a re-bore and reline. I scrubbed the muzzle end "vigerously" and the appearance of almost no rifling remained the same.

Dave

[scattershot]

That’s a beautiful rifle, please keep us informed of your progress.