How can I see leading?

[hightime]

I've worked hard to get lead out of my 1873 Rifle 45 Colt. While developing loads I had thought I had a tight spot in the bore. It was lead and after a lot of cleaning, it shoots well. Other tan dirty patches, I can't say the I've ever really seen the lead in the barrel. Can it be seen without a bore scope?

Owen

[JB]

It depends upon how bad it is. Sometimes it's fairly easy to see with the naked eye.

[jnyork]

It will usually appear as sort of dull streaks in the grooves of the bore.

[hightime]

It seems that the leading is only in the first foot. I can't see there.

[TedH]

Leading up front like that is usually caused by an undersized bullet and gas cutting, which usually is pretty easy to see.

[El Chivo]

I only worry when I see flakes on the cleaning patch.

[Sixgun]

Seeing leading is like looking at a car. Its either there, or its not. If you can't see it, there's not enough to cause problems and even if you can see it, its usually not enough to cause problems. And if it does develop into a "problem", I still don't know what the problem is after 40 years and a half million lead bullets later. I've never let it get that bad

Out in the sun, or a strong light, preferably, before oiling up, holding the gun, butt down, look into the bore at the muzzle....you will see grey streaks.

I "hear" some people get leading so bad, it looks like a sewer pipe. ------------------6

[hightime]

OK, thanks. I'll keep an eye out. I am keeping it clean. I have noticed that it shoots many loads well, now that I have the lead out.

Owen