Slugging a rifle barrel is a process of measuring the bore diameter of a firearm using a soft lead projectile. This information is important for handloading ammunition, as it allows the reloader to select the correct diameter of bullet for their rifle. Slugging a barrel is a simple and inexpensive process that can be performed with a few common tools.
To slug a barrel, you will need a lead fishing weight, a cleaning rod, and a hammer. First, remove the bolt from the rifle and insert the cleaning rod into the barrel. Then, place the lead fishing weight on the end of the cleaning rod and tap it into the bore with a hammer. The lead weight will conform to the shape of the bore, and when it is removed, it will have a raised ring around it that indicates the bore diameter.