Originally Posted by
Charlie Hahn
You need to verify the groove diameter. It should be about .542. The driving band should not be larger than .005 inch over groove. The barrels are a little on the soft side. For that reason I would stay away from wheel weights, they have material other than tin and lead in them and will take the drive side of the rifling to a radius or angled chamfer which will degrade the down range experience after as few as 200 shots. (I tested this on the said carbine we are talking about)
Soft lead should be considered, or 20:1 lead tin to strengthen the driving band and extend the useful life of the barrel.
Typically you will see these barrels begin to wain at about 4000 to 7000 rounds depending on bullet material and lube type. If you go for a reline, Mr. Hoyt offers on request a liner made of 86L20 in 48 twist that will last much longer in our sport.
What ever bullet being used I do suggest sizing the rear band to make it round, most moulds do not cast a true round bullet.
These ideas are offered based on my experience.
Charlie Hahn
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