I have an old low wall in .22lr.  Outside is in decent shape with lots of patina but no pitting.  The last half of the bore is also pretty clean.  The first half, near the chamber, is difficult to tell.  I would describe it as slightly 'smooth'.  The rifling is clearly visible, but it is not sharp and crisp.  It could just be worn smooth after a lifetime of use or maybe the grooves are somewhat filled with lead/carbon.  I have been cleaning it with a wet patch followed by a vigorous brass brush.  The following new wet patch always comes out dirty, maybe with a bit of metal in it (possible lead?).  If I wrap the brush in a wet patch and brush it will come out black and filthy.   

I have done this with, maybe 30 patches and the story is the same.  Its hard to tell if its getting better.  I'd like to show you but I'm having a heck of a time getting a good pic of the bore.

Is this leading? Worn?  Pitted and dirty?  Do I keep cleaning with my current plan of attack or change something off?

I go as slow as possible. Hoppes 9 twice morning and evening. A brass brush occasionally. I like the process. Faster methods will work. Sometimes a little kroil works better. 

I have used evaporust on a stubborn bore in the past and had great results.