Barrel Break-In

[ChrisNam]

I break my barrels in by cleaning the barrel after each shot for the first 10 shots, then after every second shot for the next 10 shots, then after every 5 shots for the next 20-30 shots,I use JB Bore Paste & Shooters Choice).

Does that sound about right?

The question is: How rigorously do you have to clean the barrel each time, ie approximately how many swipes with the bore paste each time?

I started the other day and was totally exhausted after the first 20 shots which took most of the day. I now keep on postponing the rest of the process.

"No pain, no gain", but I'm sure there must be an easier way!

 

[USAPatriot]

I just broke a new bbl in last Friday. For the first 5 rounds I cleaned after each. The next 25 rounds I cleaned after every 5. The next 20 I cleaned after every 10. And then I fired the last 20 with no cleaning. And that was it. Each time I did a complete cleaning, starting with a copper cleaner on a patch, then on a nylon brush, doing the same with Hoppes after. I seriously doubt if you could prove that any method or reasonable number of rounds between cleanings makes a bit of difference. Fact is even after only 70 rounds down this tube I can see that it's going to shoot better when it's a bit fouled rather than whistle-clean. I didn't use a bore-paste BTW, though I have a container of JB. I think it's probably only needed on factory barrels, if that. This Douglas is smooth as glass inside.

And like you, I was damn sick of cleaning that rifle by the end of the day. -Rod-

 

[Aussie_bob]

Well here's what i do i shoot and clean after 1 shot for 5 rounds and if I am getting no fouling I then try Two shots and clean for 10 rounds and if not getting copper fouling try 5 shots and clean by then you should know if it needs cleaning after 10 or 20 rnds the PAC-Nor barrels i have just received have the best polish i have seen so i expect them to be like my 30BR barrel and not foul. I do not use bronze brushes and strong solvent only if i think there may be fouling i have missed mainly use G96 Gun Treatment after a weekend shoot and over 150 rounds through my rifle i had minimal fouling between details i would wipe a wet patch through then two dry. I soaked the barrels overnight full of WIPE-OUT and only got a trace of colour this morning. So i tried Bore-Tech eliminator and still got nothing so must be clean.