Quote:

---

A few years ago I sporterized a No 4 Enfield rifle. After about a years work, it came out beautifully (if I say so myself). It will also put five rounds into just over 1" @ 100 yds with factory ammo.



My big mistake on this gun was to put all the work into it without first checking out the bore. I've only fired 40 rounds through it, but noticed the barrel fouls badly and I had a blown primer on about the twelth round fired one day.



Even without a bore scope, its apparent the fist 1/4 to 1/2 inch of bore is eroded badly. The damned thing looks and shoots so nicely, I really don't want to re-barrel it anytime soon. I have two questions:



1. Could the erosion and fouling build up have caused the blown primer or create a dangerous condition? YES IT CAN! The roughness of an eroded throat can cause a bullet to "stick". It swages up to fill the oversize space, and the bullet bearing surface seizes onto the rough throat surface. The effect is comparable to having a bore obstruction, but of course not usually as severe as a complete obstruction. This phenomenon seems to plague such cartridges as the 7mm Rem. Mag. when it is shot a great number of rounds.< !--color-->



2. Would it possibly help to lap it with No. 6 clover compound? Proibably enough to smooth it out to stop the bullet from seizing. < !--color-->



- I've already used a lot of JB compound on it.

- The bore dimensions are already a bit loose.



I know its tough to answer these questions without seeing the rifle, but any advice or experience is appreciated. - John

---

Was the round that blew the primer a factory load?



I'd try the lapping approach first, and if it doesn't help, rebarrel.



Amazing how accurate some of these old Enfields can be, isn't it?