Need some knowledge on rifling and barrels

[morehops52]

I've read here that most times when someone mentions a "loose spot" in their barrel that the diagnosis is a bulged barrel. I have been able to feel irregularities in many of my barrels albeit minor ones. I've also read where barrel makers will tell you that loose spots won't be found in their barrels so it seems like somewhat common occurrence in high volume barrel making. So I have a 54 lyman barrel that has had a loose spot for as long as I can remember (15 years & way before reading on this forum). It is almost half way down the barrel and is about 5/8" long as measured on my ramrod. I couldn't have short stuffed it at half way and because I shoot maxis I am constantly checking (about every 20-30 minutes) to make sure the ball hasn't moved off the charge. In all my 40 years of MLers I have never found a maxi that moved off while I know many of you have.
Is it possible that this is a factory flaw? I have mic'd the barrel at least 2" above and below and there is not .001" variance in the barrel width. I have shot maximum loads with this rifle for many years and I would think if a problem was going to show it would have by now. I'm hoping that someone who really knows barrels and steels can reassure me that while nobody can guarantee anything, that at least I'm not in the running for a Darwin award.

 

[SDSmlf]

So I have a 54 lyman barrel that has had a loose spot for as long as I can remember (15 years & way before reading on this forum). It is almost half way down the barrel and is about 5/8" long as measured on my ramrod. I couldn't have short stuffed it at half way and because I shoot maxis I am constantly checking (about every 20-30 minutes) to make sure the ball hasn't moved off the charge. In all my 40 years of MLers I have never found a maxi that moved off while I know many of you have.

Checking bullet position every 20-30 minutes is not as important in my opinion as keeping the barrel pointed up if there is a concern. I have owned a couple of Investarm fast twist barrels (Lyman and a Cabelas branded guns) that would not hold a conical on the powder if you pointed the barrels towards the ground after loading. You could actually hear them clunk as they moved off the powder and then stopped. There was no problem with paperpatched conicals or patched roundballs moving. Both guns have moved on (with moving conical issue noted to the new owners). No idea if related to your problem, but thought it was worth mentioning.

 

[rich pierce]

You’re not at increased risk. But the barrel is likely no good for round ball accuracy.

 

[morehops52]

You’re not at increased risk. But the barrel is likely no good for round ball accuracy.

I don't shoot RB as I have all the accuracy I need with slugs. I always move thru woods with barrel up. Only concerned with OA safety.

 

[ohio ramrod]

When they first started bringing over spanish made rifles, CVA's had a constriction about half way down the barrels that I assumed was from clamping in the manufacturing process. They did not affect accuracy but made loading and cleaning difficult , If the barrels were clamped in a boring part of the process it could lead to a "loose " spot .

 

[Phil Coffins]

Barrels from a number of makers will have these slightly loose spots. These can be muzzle loaders or breech loaders. The amount of variation doesn’t have to be much to be felt. This isn’t desirable but you are in no danger. A barrel can be lead lapped to minimize the tight and loose spots and I have done quite a few. It’s hours of hard work that only removes tiny amounts of material. Those that suggest scotch bright or steel wool haven’t accomplished evening out the bore. That would be the same as using sand paper on a board when a plane is called for. Your Lyman barrel is plenty strong and I’m sure with the care you take that you won’t be getting that award, not that way.

 

[morehops52]

Barrels from a number of makers will have these slightly loose spots. These can be muzzle loaders or breech loaders. The amount of variation doesn’t have to be much to be felt. This isn’t desirable but you are in no danger. A barrel can be lead lapped to minimize the tight and loose spots and I have done quite a few. It’s hours of hard work that only removes tiny amounts of material. Those that suggest scotch bright or steel wool haven’t accomplished evening out the bore. That would be the same as using sand paper on a board when a plane is called for. Your Lyman barrel is plenty strong and I’m sure with the care you take that you won’t be getting that award, not that way.

Thanks Phil, good reply

 

[hanshi]

One of the most accurate rifles I have owned had a "loose" spot in the barrel. It was still a tack driver (genuine).

 

[Nobade]

That loose spot wouldn't happen to be under the sight dovetail would it?

 

[morehops52]

That loose spot wouldn't happen to be under the sight dovetail would it?

no it's a bit farther out toward the muzzle

 

[morehops52]

One of the most accurate rifles I have owned had a "loose" spot in the barrel. It was still a tack driver (genuine).

All of these replies are reassuring. Mine won't drive tacks but is has more than enough deer accuracy.

 

[MSW]

i doubt that you're at any risk of having the barrel burst, and if the barrel provides the accuracy which you need, then the tool is appropriate for its use, and you might well be wasting a good worry.

make good smoke!