.22LR Barrel break in?

[Dubya]

Does a new rimfire barrel need to be broken in like a center fire? If so, what is the proper way to do so?

Thanks,
Gary.

 

[Greatwhitenorth]

If you go to different barrel makers they all have a different take on this...some say yes, some say no. People will be the same with many also sying it depends on the condition of the new bore. There are also various ways to do it. I've never really seen a conclusive study on this that covers numerous makes of 22LR rifles.

I would probably go so far as to say it wouldnt hurt a barrel if you properly cleaned it more often for your first 50 shots and thats what many of the break ins are composed of.

 

[Shynloco]

As was stated in the previous post, it would probably wise to use more care for "breakin" with a Match Grade barrel, versus a general product rifle barrel. But even with a general production rifle, it would be a good idea to clean the barrel probably after the two sets of 50 rds and thereafter after 100 rds. Personally, I would use "coated" bullets as opposed to copper jacketed rounds, but thats just me. And thats with either classification of barrel. By coated, I mean the more expensive stuff like Wolf Match Target that sells for like $5.00 per 50. I like to opt on the side of caution. I've had some friends say you should NEVER clean a Rimfire Barrel, a notion I simply find insane.

As a side note, you will probably find that most general production Rimfire barrels shoot better after 400 - 500 rds. Thats not the case with a Match Grade barrel that will likely shoot lights out from the get go. But we're talk $300 barrels. Alot also depends on the rifle itself and how well it was made. Remember you can buy some really accurate Rimfire rifles for $400 while the cream of the crop start out at around $1,000 and go up from there. Depends also on what you want to use the rifle for. I doubt too many people take an $1100 - $3500 Match Grade rifle squirrel hunting. Good luck and have fun!

 

[Dubya]

thanks guys.

Gary.