I've recently gotten a M1903A3 Mk I and have been working to get it going. Put some cast loads (Lee 170 Gr FP sized .309 over 20 gr 2400) through it that I had on hand, accuracy was pretty bad. Slug the bore says I, so I clean it and slug. I've not slugged many rifles, but the grooves on the slug were barely visible and the slug measure something like .302. However, the rifling is strong (visually speaking), so its not an absence of grooves. . Lots of gunk (lead) in the muzzle end after slugging too. So I really begin to really clean it up and find its still very dirty. Soak overnight in bore cleaner, next morning clean some more. Basically every time I put bore cleaner on a patch it comes out filthy. As the layers come off, I can begin to see the muzzle end is very pitted, though the breech end is in pretty good shape except for one spot.
What now? Will running lead through it reestablish the build up I've spent about 5 hours getting out? Rebarrel? Is it worth it? Try J words?
This rifle is in decent shape except for the barrel, it would be a shame to make it a hanger.
Help.
Josh