Bore Worms?

[SSL]

I've heard (many times) about "bug holes", but never bore worms. Got several of these (and other irregularities) in the bore of my '70s Ruger #1 factory barrel. I plan to replace it eventually, but it still shoots .5" groups regularly and occasionally gets below .25". When it starts dropping off, and I can afford it, I will be calling Douglas about replacing it. Just an example that even bores not mirror smooth can still shoot. Even cleans easy and doesn't copper too bad...but it does bother me!

 

[DangerRanger]

@Dusty Stevens didnt you have some pictures or info about something much like this a few months ago?

 

[Rustytigwire]

Corrosion. One of its many manifestations. Similar in some of my barrels. Metal mites!
Always interesting to see how metals begin their slow deterioration.
Think of it as a freckle on a cute girls smile, does Not detract from the appeal.
No metallurgy degree here but repair of "used past serviceable life" metal objects allows me 2 centavos.
Very cool pic. Thanks for sharing.

 

[SSL]

Corrosion. One of its many manifestations. Similar in some of my barrels. Metal mites!
Always interesting to see how metals begin their slow deterioration.
Think of it as a freckle on a cute girls smile, does Not detract from the appeal.
No metallurgy degree here but repair of "used past serviceable life" metal objects allows me 2 centavos.
Very cool pic. Thanks for sharing.

There's several more besides that one that wander around, but I had trouble holding the scope steady to take their pictures. I am guessing some might even have been caused by acid etching from too aggressive cleaning solutions not being properly neutralized. The barrel life is coming to an end and there is a fair amount of fire cracking, but so far it shoots too good to re-barrel just yet. Pretty good performance from a Ruger barrel from that era. They were pretty hit or miss back then.

 

[jackson1]

Few years ago bought a Lyman bore scope. Prior to that, I believed I was an expert bore cleaner. The scope taught me a few things. Again my arrogance was creeping up on me. Had a few barrels that I was planning to replace. With the advent of Wuhan Flue I had some extra time on my hands. Earlier this winter I read an article in American Rifleman on barrel cleaning. Thought I would give a try. Extensive cleanings paid dividends on these barrels, they are back to shooting near to my old records. All but one my problem child. The scope also revealed carbon rings, since removed. Used several cycles of Sea Foam for carbon and bronze bush with Isso, followed by Wipe Out and a nylon bush. Also last winter bought a Teslong ridged bore scope and like it. Was amazed to see the amount of copper removed from the barrels. Figured I had nothing to lose by aggressive cleaning and ended up learning a little.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

@Dusty Stevens didnt you have some pictures or info about something much like this a few months ago?

Yes but worse and in a custom barrel

 

[D-4297]

Wow ! Seafoam ? In a barrel ? Been using it in my Goldwings for twenty years . Never considered it for cleaning a barrel / chamber . Hmmm ...

 

[jpx2rk]

How long of a soak with Seafoam is considered safe??? Do you just a wet patch thru or some other way of applying the seafoam for the "soak"???

 

[Nature Boy]

I have a Browning BLR .358 that I’ve hunted with for 37 years that has those worm tracks

 

[Shooter13]

I have a Browning BLR .358 that I’ve hunted with for 37 years that has those worm tracks

View attachment 1183564

That is full blown acne vs freckles!! LOL

 

[Downhill]

Shot a match today, the absolute worst I have ever fired on that course. Borderline embarrassing. Must have been bore worms.

 

[Rustytigwire]

Those are free spots, no bullet friction. They dont count against you. Like fishing time doesnt come off your life clock.

 

[BDman]

I've seen it in brand new custom barrels and they still shot bug holes. Try calling one of the custom barrel makers and start the conversation with "Hey, I just got my new barrel and bore scoped it and..." or something along those lines. They'd love to hear from us.

 

[Steve Ladino]

I've heard (many times) about "bug holes", but never bore worms. Got several of these (and other irregularities) in the bore of my '70s Ruger #1 factory barrel. I plan to replace it eventually, but it still shoots .5" groups regularly and occasionally gets below .25". When it starts dropping off, and I can afford it, I will be calling Douglas about replacing it. Just an example that even bores not mirror smooth can still shoot. Even cleans easy and doesn't copper too bad...but it does bother me!
View attachment 1183493

Similarly but somewhat different, this is fairly commonly seen while casting lead bullets and the cause is a lack of cleaning ( fluxing ) of the melt. Like a clinker in the wood stoves ash.

 

[Pawnee Bill]

Yes but worse and in a custom barrel

I have the same thing in a Krieger. Not from lack of cleaning.

 

[D-4297]

How long of a soak with Seafoam is considered safe??? Do you just a wet patch thru or some other way of applying the seafoam for the "soak"???

I contacted Sea-Foam , and the "Tech" told me that they know of Diesel mechanics soaking pistons in it over-night to break down carbon when cleaning up the piston tops . Soooo , I don't think that a hour or two would do damage to a chamber . But I'm going to give it a try in my neck area on the "Dreaded Carbon Ring" that's trying to develop there . Let ya'll know how it works out .

 

[Joe Maisto]

Wow ! Seafoam ? In a barrel ? Been using it in my Goldwings for twenty years . Never considered it for cleaning a barrel / chamber . Hmmm ...

I have a can of sea foam and have been reluctant to use it on or in any of my yard engines altho I keep hearing how great it is. I used other things in auto engines down through the years like Rislone, CD2. just what does one do with it ?

 

[D-4297]

You can put it in your gas tank , at a ratio of approx. one ounce per gallon when you fill up , or a ounce or two added to the engine when you change your oil . Used it in the gas on my 78 GL-1000 and had zero engine issues . Sold the bike with 980,000 miles on it . Also ; only used Castrol 20/50 oil , and changed it every 3,000 miles . Oil is cheap . Engines ? Not so much .

 

[edwardware]

That would appear to be a blemish left after reaming (caused by drilling or reaming) that the rifling didn't iron out. I see lots of them on hammer-forged barrels.