lead solvent?

[Rocky Raab]

Before somebody suggests it, let me say that I think the "shoot a few jacketed bullets through it" idea is hazardous, and may even make the leading harder to remove.

My opinion is based on the fact that a badly leaded bore amounts to a partial restriction. Shooting a hard bullet through it could raise pressures dangerously. If it did push lead out, the lead would pile up ahead of the bullet in a "snowplow" effect, except that it cannot get out of the way. That can't be good, and the bullet would in effect be gaining weight as it went.

Plus, the curved surface of the jacketed bullet is more likely to "iron in" any lead, forcing it deep into the grooves almost like hammer welding it in place. What's rammed deep into the grooves would be much harder to get out.