Oupa, have you got pictures of the steps you followed? What solution are you using for starting the rusting? What are you using for carding & for boiling? Are you using distilled water or plain water?
How many times are you rusting & boiling? How long do you let it rust?

I want to start with Rust bluing. I am not able to source the product off the shelf here. Pilkington's is supposed to be easy to use but not available & no one will ship it to NZ. The gunsmith who did my pre 1914 Simson suggested that I use 33% Nitric acid, 33% HCL & 33% de-greased steel wool . I have read up a bit about this method on the net & it looks like a good & safe method to use.

I want to start with my old Rem .22 & then move on to my old 1903 Mannlicher Schoenauer.

I am particularly concerned about the action & bore area - what do you do to prevent those areas from getting rusted etc?

Good luck with your project.