Browning a muzzleloader barrel and tang

[Stony]

I sorta need some other's thoughts on a problem I have run into.
I bead blasted a barrel and tang from my Investarms Hawken using Colonial browning solution. I have had very good results with this product in the past, but the problem I am having this time is stopping it from working. I put 4 or 5 coats on the barrel, lightly carding in between and it came out with a really pretty plum finish just like I wanted. When it got to the point that I wanted it, I washed down the whole works with baking soda and water as per the instructions, oiled and reassembled.
I have been carrying the rifle hunting lately, and after a week or so noticed the finish was fuzzing up with rust again. I carded it down again and coated it liberally with Breakfree. I often wipe down the surfaces when coming back from hunting with a Rig Rag, so the surface is kept well coated. It has fuzzed up a couple times again since the initial instance and I just don't seem to be able to get it to stop working.
Never ran into this problem before....any help here?

 

[Jim K]

I don't think the problem is in the browning solution still working, but with the fact that the brown/plum finish is too thin to retain oil and the barrel is rusting as if it had no finish at all. I think you stopped when you got the color you wanted but the browning had not yet reached the point where it could retain oil.

Bluing and browning are simply forms of rust; the only way they prevent further rust is to hold oil, which prevents moisture from reaching the steel and causing rust.

Jim

 

[4v50 Gary]

Neutralizing and arrest the rusting process with baking soda treated water. Bring water to a boil to dissolve the baking soda. Then immerse and boil for ten minutes. Pull out and hold a hot air gun to the barrel to ensure that it is dry. Oil.