new barrel proceedures

[wolfman]

I'm just curious how many rounds folks put down a new barrel before starting serious load development? I'm talking .308 F/Tr guns here- not barrel burners here, with really short barrel life.
In the past, I've started straight way, once a scope is zeroed, but I'm starting to rethink things.

 

[Canadian bushman]

I dont start any serious load workup to the second firing, then fine tune on the third.

Virgin brass always needs to be fireformed before i can get my dies set up properly, narrow down a powder charge, and get rid of runout.

 

[dcali]

I haven't found it really matters much. Either way, you'll want/need to re-check the load every several hundred rounds. I usually spend the first hundred or so rounds doing rough load development/sight in (that is, not really worrying about how efficient I'm being, and using new brass) to get in the ballpark, and then do a proper work up based on those results. By then, the barrel is what it is. At least, that's been my experience.

 

[Liven The Dream]

Go to Kreiger Barrels web page and read the drill. You can't go wrong,

Then start your testing..

 

[FatBoy]

I do a base load right after the tube is screwed on. Generally a "go to" load minus a half a grain based on shooter results from this website. If it has good numbers and is sub-half moa I run it until I hit about 150 rounds, then re-test and re-chrono at 100-200 yards to fine tune. Most of the time, I don't have to do anything except change my come up table as the barrel tend to speed up a Little after 100 or so rounds. Then, I check the throat every 100-300 depending on caliber and chase the lands if needed. I may bump up the charge .1gr or so every .010" I push the bullet out, but that depends on how it's shooting.

 

[butchlambert]

Well the first thing you need to do is a search on the forums. Many many threads on this and you will see many different opinions. Just have to go with whomever you feel warm and fuzzy with.
I have a fireform barrel to save my new barrel. If you shoot much you will soon have a fireforming barrel.
I also do not do a formal barrel break in.

 

[wholman]

Most of the time it is 3 shots to get scope set, then then load work begins.

 

[watercam]

I do ladder testing and seating depth tests with break-in rounds. That said, with custom hand made barrels I do not believe the one-round-and-clean break-in routine is necessary. I do clean more often with a new barrel though until 50+ rounds down the tube.

 

[Steelnecktie]

Your barrel will tell you what to do. First round down a new barrel is always nasty cleaning it. Most cut rifle barrels clean easily after the first few rounds. I had a button rifle barrel that was nasty for about 35 rounds, but now it stays cleaner than my cut rifle barrels. I usually clean after 1st shot and look in barrel with bore scope again. After that, I only clean after about 25 shots. If it's really dirty, clean it more, if it ain't bad and is shooting good, leave it alone.