Barrel break-in ?

[outlawsix]

Was at the range today breaking in the new rifle. I did the clean 1 shoot 1 procedure for 21 rounds. The reason so long was that I was still getting copper fouling. Even though I still got fouling I went to the 3 shots, clean routine.

Long story short still have copper fouling. I can see it when I look down the bore. Yes it is a custom barrel that was lapped at the factory.

So my question is. Should I continue to 1 shot clean until the bore cleans up after a few patches?

It isn't just along the rifling. I can see it as streaks in the bore. I do intend to go back to the range on Saturday and continue to break it in.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[outlawsix]

Anyone? Decided to skip the range today. Too pretty outside. Will tackle the range in the morning.

 

[tenring]

I just bought a new Krieger barrel. Their explanation of break in is comprehensive and right on the money. Check it out at:
www.kriegerbarrels.com

 

[outlawsix]

Was give Krieger's procedure by my smith. He did tell me to continue the 1 shot clean method for approximately 20 or so rounds. He said to move onto the next step once I can't see copper after cleaning with a few patches.

I'll be more specific with my question. Has anyone seen cooper, with their naked eye, in a barrel after shooting a new barrel? If so how many shots before you no longer saw the copper build up?

Just trying to get an idea.

Thanks in advance.

 

[dreever]

Stephen,

My new Kreiger was broken in after only seven rounds.
E-mail me and tell me what barrel it is, I have some thoughts.

Danny

 

[Mark Walker in TX]

Stephen,

My new Kreiger was broken in after only seven rounds.
E-mail me and tell me what barrel it is, I have some thoughts.

Danny

My last Krieger was about the same, 9 shots and no more copper. My break is shoot 1 then clean, shoot 3 clean, shoot 5 clean, done.

Barrel is shooting great as well!! Love the Kriegers!!!

 

[SF340Driver]

Are using a brush or just patches? More than likely the blue patches are from the brush if you are using one.

 

[outlawsix]

I am not using a brush. I'm using only patches.

I fired 5 more rounds yesterday. The reason so few is that I wanted to ensure that the barrel is completely free from any copper between shots. And it takes a while to clean it. By that I mean here's my routine.

3 patches of TM cleaning solution. Let it soak for 10 minutes. 2 More TM soaked patches. Then pass 5 patches down bore to get all of the TM out. The I use 2 patches soaked with 50 BMG. Let it set 10 minutes. Scrub bore with 2 more patches of 50 BMG. Let it set 10 minutes. Then pass 5 patches down bore to get out TM and then view patches for any coloration.

If it isn't clean continue with cleaning regime. If it is clean then shoot it once and do it over again.

The barrel has gotten better. But it still takes longer than it should to get clean.

Now here's one from left field for you. I've read and have noticed that the jackets on match bullets are pretty soft. Considerably softer than on hunting bullets. So is there any negatives for using hunting bullets to break in a barrel? Figure I won't be wasting my match bullets on this. As well as the harder hunting bullet jacket may help smooth things out quicker.

Thank you.

 

[jb1000br]

O6 - had 2 broughtons stop coppering after 7 and 8 shots respectively

after those one-shot/cleans, i did 2 sets of 2 shots/clean...then the first range day, almost ZERO copper after 23 shots of 308...will see if the second range session of 27 shots yielded any copper as soon as i push the wipeout out later today...

I have been running Slip2000 carbon killer followed by a wipeout soak...best ritual i have found so far

Im guessing you arent getting all the copper out after each shot.

O yea...no brushes either, and the best part... NO AMMONIA

JB

 

[outlawsix]

I've been bore scoping the barrel after cleaning. If it has any tinge of copper then I clean it again.

I would never say I'm the sharpest knife in the drawer. But I'm very methodical in ensuring that it is clean. This morning I even ran some Shooters Choice Extra Strength Copper Remover down the barrel. There is still a very small, 1/32" long, hair width line of copper at the base on one land. Giving the maker a call this morning and will see if they have any advice.

 

[jb1000br]

wipeout soak WILL get it out!

JB

 

[outlawsix]

I called the maker, Broughton, and talked with Mr.Tim. I went over everything I do to clean it. Well he said that what I do sounds just like what he does and that he too uses 50 BMG for the copper. In the discussion he asked about applying oil as the last step. Well I didn't.

Part of my cleaning regimes from rimfire is no oil. The bullet is lubed so no need. Well dumb me did the same thing on a non lubed bullet for centerfire! With my hunting rifles I oil the bore so I have no idea why I didn't with this barrel.

Well I went out and oiled the barrel. Passed 1 patch to pick up the excess oil and shot it. Guess what not nearly as much copper. And the barrel cleaned up a lot faster.

So for anyone out there that may be reading this. Don't forget to oil the bore then wipe with a clean patch to get the excess oil out. I did but won't again.

Thank you to everyone who contributed. And thank you to Mr. Tim North. He helped me realize the errors of my ways.

P.S. Will be getting some wipe out to try for a few other projects.