Gunsmithing Barrel lapping recomendations;

[badshot338]

I am about to try my first attempt at lapping one of my barrels. This barrel has about had it so if I screw it up it is little to no loss to me. I just want to try and see how much it helps. I have had many of my barrels lapped to get some more life out of them or improve accuracy over the years but nver tried it myself so I thought i would give it a shot.

I am ascking for advice and/or recommendations. I want to try doing this with a lead slug rather that simply whiping some lapping compound on a cloth wrapped around a brush so I can get a more uniform lap. Thoughts?

I am not sure what grit to go with or series of grits for that matter. I was looking a Brownell's lapping compounds and they have quite a few grits available.


Like I said. This is an experiment that if it goes right, I will get some more life out of a barrel and if it goes wrong, I will have learned what not to do. Either way I consider it a win/win.

I left this fairly open ended intentionally so the more thoughts and input the better. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Beef_Supreme]

Re: Barrel lapping recomendations;

Caliber specific felt bobs work well, put them on the threaded rod adapter, tighten them down and they will top dress lap very well.
Worth a shot

 

[TitaniumBlue]

Re: Barrel lapping recomendations;

Melt some lead with about 5% tin to make it more fluid when pouring. Pour onto scrap cleaning rod while in barrel. Suspend 100-150 grit aluminum oxide in cutting oil and apply to lead lap. Start with short strokes as it will need the most lapping near the breach. And get increasingly longer the more you lap it. Should take about 250-400 strokes. I advise you to drill out a case and stuff it in the chamber so you don't scratch up the chamber portion. Also, it's ideal to have some electrical tape wrapped around the cleaning rod to keep it from hitting the barrel walls while you're pouring the lap.


I did this for a living for 2.5 years in case you are wondering whether or not my info is good.

 

[badshot338]

Re: Barrel lapping recomendations;

Sorry for the delayed response. I was out shooting all weekend. Thank you both for the advice.

Beef_Supreme, I have never heard of caliber specific felt bobs. Can you or someone tell me more about them?

Wilongrange, this is the exact method I have seen people do and am interested in trying. Very good instructions! I got someCerrosafe Alloy from a friend who is a professional gunsmith but he recommended fire lapping. I think because he was uncomfortable recommending a noob try something like this. He said this stuff's metalergy is suited very well for lead slug lapping. Thank you very much for the advice, I will let you know how it goes.