Soft lead bullets can expand into the bore because of the pressure acting behind them.Its also known as "setting up",some early Bullet types had a hollow base to facilitate obturation.However those usually only obturated to the diameter of the cartridge neck and part of the chamber.
A gently pressure curve such as what is developed using Black powder is considered better for "setting up" than a steep pressure curve such as smokeless produces.
I would start by cleaning the bore,then trying some different loads.What looks like a very worn bore in the old guns can shoot surprisingly well with lead bullets.Especially those cast and sized to the correct ,(worn) bore diameter.
Bookmarks