Barrell break in, 6mmBr or Brx

[Erik Cortina]

So I assume your commenting on something you have no first hand experience with? I have done it both ways, and hate break-in, but I still do it. If I did not see a benefit do you think I'd keep doing it? Any of you guys that say it is a waste of time actually go through the process?

When I started competitive shooting I broke in all my barrels. I hated it just like you and one day I figured I would "sacrifice" one barrel to find out. I saw no difference and I have lived happily ever after.

 

[7stubby]

I break my barrels in with bullets.......... lots of them!

 

[WyleWD]

Each to their own on this, but I always follow the barrel manufacturer's recommendation for break in. A few years back a partner of mine went to break in a new barrel and followed some weird methodology to break it in.

Long story short, it never did shoot well and was a SOB to try to clean. When he called the barrel maker to send it back for a new one, the first thing they asked him was "what was your break-in method?" When he answered... "some guy on the internet told me to...." that was pretty much how it ended too. He had to pay for his next barrel too. They basically told him they put the barrel break in methodology on their website and sent a copy with the barrel for a reason. WD

 

[Judd]

Why would a barrel manufacturer have a break-in procedure if they didn't have reason to believe it's beneficial to the barrel? It's not like they sell cleaning solvents.

I agree with WyleWD and said the same thing but not as well on page one.

 

[artbosco]

Clean the barrel. Shoot 10 rounds down it. Clean. Shoot 15 more. Clean. Done. Better if you can perform fire forming at the same time.

 

[butchlambert]

Why would a barrel manufacturer have a break-in procedure if they didn't have reason to believe it's beneficial to the barrel? It's not like they sell cleaning solvents.

I agree with WyleWD and said the same thing but not as well on page one.

Liability. If you choose to shoot and clean it will "break in" the barrel. Only one person has mentioned what a barrel need to "break" it in. Most of you are intelligent? Why would a lapped match barrel foul? It is the fluff in the throat from chambering. Clean or lap the throat and your problems are solved.
Yes, I have broken in barrels for years(about 75-100)so I know the program. I finally awoke in modern times and saw my mistake.
If you feel better shooting and cleaning, go for it. It works, but you will probably have wasted 50-100 rounds of a super barrel.

 

[Shynloco]

It strikes me, this topic of "barrel break in" has been kicked around well, forever. From my own personal experiences, I've noticed that barrels made today are superior, mostly in the alloys that they are made of today and some of the rituals we did say 20 yrs ago, are no longer necessary as even the barrel preparation, before one leaves the manufacturer, is better than ever, such as the lapping. Now consider that I'm speaking of "Match Grade" barrels and not barrels found on even new "across the counter general production rifles." To me those are two very different animals. I recently had my gunsmith change barrels on two of my rifles, one a 6mmbr and the other a 30BR. Both rifle barrels were replaced with Kreiger Match Grade barrels. Before, I would have done the old 40 rds break in (one shot clean X 5; 5 shots clean, 5 times; 10 shots, clean and I'm done. With these new Kreigers, it was three shots clean X2 and 5 shots clean and I was done. The accuracy was SUPERB and I was very happy. BTW, these barrels clean up so nice and I get clean patches way quicker than the previous 40 rd break in barrels. Each to his own I guess.

Alex

 

[Jay Christopherson]

So I assume your commenting on something you have no first hand experience with? I have done it both ways, and hate break-in, but I still do it. If I did not see a benefit do you think I'd keep doing it? Any of you guys that say it is a waste of time actually go through the process?

Yep. Often, early on. Waste of time.

Why would a barrel manufacturer have a break-in procedure if they didn't have reason to believe it's beneficial to the barrel? It's not like they sell cleaning solvents.

I agree with WyleWD and said the same thing but not as well on page one.

Liability. If you choose to shoot and clean it will "break in" the barrel. Only one person has mentioned what a barrel need to "break" it in. Most of you are intelligent? Why would a lapped match barrel foul? It is the fluff in the throat from chambering. Clean or lap the throat and your problems are solved.
Yes, I have broken in barrels for years(about 75-100)so I know the program. I finally awoke in modern times and saw my mistake.
If you feel better shooting and cleaning, go for it. It works, but you will probably have wasted 50-100 rounds of a super barrel.

Butch is dead on.

Some reamers will leave a fine wire edge at the throat, this can be verified with a borescope. This is what will cause some excessive copper fouling at the beginning. Once burnished by shooting or lightly bumping/lapping the the throat, copper fouling will be greatly diminished or eliminated.

Less is better, more barrels are ruined by improper cleaning.

^^^ So is this.

 

[Judd]

Why would a barrel manufacturer have a break-in procedure if they didn't have reason to believe it's beneficial to the barrel? It's not like they sell cleaning solvents.

I agree with WyleWD and said the same thing but not as well on page one.

Liability. If you choose to shoot and clean it will "break in" the barrel. Only one person has mentioned what a barrel need to "break" it in. Most of you are intelligent? Why would a lapped match barrel foul? It is the fluff in the throat from chambering. Clean or lap the throat and your problems are solved.
Yes, I have broken in barrels for years(about 75-100)so I know the program. I finally awoke in modern times and saw my mistake.
If you feel better shooting and cleaning, go for it. It works, but you will probably have wasted 50-100 rounds of a super barrel.

Thanks Butch for explaining your point. I see what your saying, not saying I'll change my ways but it makes me think about it.

 

[butchlambert]

All it takes is a small amount of 0000steel wool wrapped around a bronze cleaning brush. Power it with a hand held drill. It actually takes very little(15 seconds). Clean is first with Isso and then clean the barrel with your cleaning solvent and patches. Being primarily a short range BR shooter I clean between groups. My melonite barrels get cleaned after each yardage.
This works for me. You have to decide and do what works for you.

 

[wolley]

How to lap a throat.
Ever used JB bore paste?
Use it in throat area.
Done.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Butch,
You were right! I used some steel wool on a nylon brush in the throat, and shot 42 rounds on a brand new barrel. Not a hint of blue on the patches. If this works every time, I'll be a very happy guy.

We were able to convert you in one thread? We are getting better! Of course, Butch was the secret weapon! ;D