Round or square?

[Douglas Blair]

Which do you prefer to use, the standard square or round bottom groove rifling?

I personally like the round bottom rifling because they make the barrel load easier and the fouling don't seem to be as much of a problem while loading another shot without running a cleaning patch down the barrel.

I have heard some say the round bottom groove rifling wasn't as accurate as the square groove is, but you can't prove that one by me. ;D Even if that is the case there isn't much difference between them and the benefits of the round bottom rifling out weighs any small difference IMHO.

[Birddog6]

I prefer the round bottom rifling simply because it is so much easier to clean. As far as accuracy goes, it will shoot better than I can hold it. However, most of the match shooters & most of the barrel makers will tell ya the square bottom rifleing wis the most accurate because you can get a tighter ball/patch combo & it will grip better with that design. I don't have to worry about shooting a one hole group at 100 yards any more, so precision accuracy is not a concern for me & I go with the ease of cleaning. After shooting with round bottom rifling, a flushing kit & a gallon of water , 15 minutes later I am finished cleaning.
I also think the round bottom rifling is easier to keep protected & less chance of rust because you can get the oil/patch to the very edges of the rifling much easier. With square bottom rifling ou need to put a really tight oiled patch down the bore to get into those very edges of the grooves. ;D

[DaveK]

Boy, I couldn't agree more. I do have a couple old square bottom rifled guns, but I certainly can't say that they shoot better. I love the rd. bottom grooves! Easier to clean and IMHO also easier on the patching. My opinion is they are easier to seal better because you do not have that sqaure edge. Of my opinion is what you pay for!

[Desert Rat]

My Brown Bess has one continuous round-bottom groove...and it's SUPER easy to clean.

However, accuracy is not that great. Throws a great shot pattern though.

;D

[MarkKw]

I love to see some testing done on this, same cal, same barrels, same loads, one round bottom one square. I'd even offer my own powder, patches and balls just to get the results.