yup, i did finish the rod using a bit of amber aniline dye stain wiped on, then a light wipe of lmf lancaster maple, followed by 3 light wipes of permalyn sealer. buffing between all of the preceding with 4/0 wool, last coat buffed only with a paper towel. i did want it much lighter in hue than the stock, as a contrast, and that what she is now.
started off with 50 grains of goex 2f and worked upwards to 70 grains, but she likes about 60+ grains best. next session i'll be working with goex 3f. haven't touched the sight alignment. going for groups first with different powder granulation, charges, balls and patches. to me, this is the fun part and will probably take the rest of the summer to sort out.
right now, .440" balls and .012" llbean flannel shirt patching (dutch dry lube, 6:1 ratio).
i always wipe between shots - i used dry .012" 1-1/2" precut patches moist lubed with moose milk, followed by a dry patch.