Repurposing small cal ammo for my Bess

[Lakeman]

Just a note here, guys. My gunsmith mentor once handed me a section of old barrel and a newspaper telling me to polish the barrel. I thought he was crazy. A few hours later I had learned that even newspaper can abrade steel however slowly. So yes, foil can wear a barrel as do patches around a lead ball. Would take a long time to see any damage though.
John

 

[Trot]

In NSSA smoothbore shooting cloth patches are not allowed. Wrapping the ball in foil is common practice.

 

[Britsmoothy]

Just a note here, guys. My gunsmith mentor once handed me a section of old barrel and a newspaper telling me to polish the barrel. I thought he was crazy. A few hours later I had learned that even newspaper can abrade steel however slowly. So yes, foil can wear a barrel as do patches around a lead ball. Would take a long time to see any damage though.
John

Yeah. When I want some peace I get my grandchild to polish some coal for me too. Burns better polished

 

[Eterry]

That is quite dangerous. If he got one lodged in the throat and didnt notice or forgot to clear it!

Yea Britt, I don't reccomend it at ALL, but I absolutely SAW it done.
Just commenting on the dumbest thing I've seen done with a shotgun... but he was having a fine time...

 

[Eterry]

Just a note here, guys. My gunsmith mentor once handed me a section of old barrel and a newspaper telling me to polish the barrel. I thought he was crazy. A few hours later I had learned that even newspaper can abrade steel however slowly. So yes, foil can wear a barrel as do patches around a lead ball. Would take a long time to see any damage though.
John

My mentor uses brown grocery bags to final finish a wooden stock...iirc he says it's equivalent to about 4000 grit...

 

[RandyBishop]

That is quite dangerous. If he got one lodged in the throat and didnt notice or forgot to clear it!

True. According to the story it wasnt his first time doing it though he k ow what he was doing.I can see it it makes perfect sense. It would be safe for the shooter.

 

[RandyBishop]

right who in hell ever thought of that scenario? aluminum foil? give me a break.

It does clean the bore super clean so he has a point I think it is kind of abrasive. Give him a break he's looking out for our best interests