Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters MD & Charlie Sisk-Make homemade lapping compound

Hi Mule Deer and Charlie Sisk

IIRC, MD in the very near past commented that gunsmiths who lap barrels use a medium grit compound to lap gun barrels. However, what is the oil/petroleum
used to put the lapping grit into? Also, what brand of lapping grit do you recommend? Vaseline(HA) or what? I remember Mule deer said that too much lapping with Brownell's JB Bore Cleaner will make the bore too smooth and cause excess copper fouling. I wish to make a home made lapping compound as a project to keep me busy. Help from all and anyone is much appreciated.

roanmtn

How could a bore too smooth cause excess copper fouling ?

Think of dragster racing slicks. They get max grip, ie fouling on the concrete.

I'm not John or Charlie. A friend of mine that makes very high end barrels uses Clover 320 and 400 for final lapping. You need to be really conscious of what you're doing if you're going to do this. Use a quality, consistent compound that's formulatted for the job...not a home brewed slurry. The lead used for the lap is also important because of the amount of antimony.

Barrels that are too smooth can lay down copper like you wouldn't believe.

Good shootin' -Al

More contact between bullet and bore....

Agree on using lapping compounds that are made for that application.

I’ve read that some abrasives can imbed in the steel and cause excessive wear.

So a do it yourself formulation may not be a great idea without a lot of research.

I’d use a proven product.

DF

Well.... You all have convinced me to wait and do this a wee bit different. I'll hold off and do this right.