What might indicate the effectiveness of fire lapping?

The effectiveness of fire lapping can be indicated by observing a smoother bore texture after several rounds. Fire lapping is a process used to polish the interior of a firearm's bore by firing specially designed abrasive projectiles that gradually wear down irregularities. Over time, this action results in a smoother surface, enhancing the firearm's accuracy and consistency. A smoother bore leads to better gas sealing, reduced fouling, and improved bullet performance, ultimately contributing to more accurate shooting.

In contrast, heavy residue build-up in the bore could suggest issues like improper cleaning or incorrect ammunition but does not directly reflect the outcomes of fire lapping. Consistent misfires during shooting often indicate malfunctions or ammunition problems rather than improvements from fire lapping. Similarly, difficulty extracting projectiles from the bore generally points to potential barrel issues or obstruction rather than successful fire lapping which would enable better projectile passage through a smoother bore.