Counterboring

[Max1]

I am trying to find out some info on counterboring the rifling on a muzzleloader or other type of rifle. Anyone know how long it has been done, and if there are any old books, articles or publications to teach or show someone how to counterbore?

 

[rcmodel]

The only counter-boring I know of is done to remove muzzle rifling damaged from cleaning rod wear.
Most commonly seen on Russian Mosin-Nagant military surplus rifles coming into the country now.

It is done by just drilling the rifling out an inch or so deep from the muzzle with a larger then bore size drill bit.

I haven't heard it used much in relation to muzzle loaders, other then to ease starting balls & tight patches in the muzzle.

I have heard of "freshening" the rifling in a muzzle loader, and that has been done since rifled muzzle loaders were invented

That is a process where the bore is enlarged and the rifling is re-cut to make a new barrel out of an old worn out barrel.

But it's not a DIY project by any stretch of the imagination unless you can also make a DIY rifling machine.

rc

 

[Nail Shooter]

"It is done by just drilling the rifling out an inch or so deep from the muzzle with a larger then bore size drill bit."

It can also be done via boring bar using a lathe. Regards,

Nail

 

[Max1]

Thanks for the replies. Anyone know of an older book that teaches or shows counterboring the rifling?

 

[rcmodel]

Really nothing to teach.

You just drill the damaged section of rifling out and go for it.

rc

 

[Liberty1776]

It depends on why you want to do it. If it's just to make the muzzleloader easier to load, it's called "coning" and is highly recommended. The bores of many original muzzleloading rifles had a deep, gentle taper (or cone) at the muzzle, which allows the ball to be easily started with thumb pressure and gently seated with the ramrod. There's a simple tool you can buy for this...costs about $40. Just Google... muzzleloader coning tool