New Cut-Rifled Barrel -- Best Break-in?
- Thread starter Ironworker
- Start date
Today at the range in wild Nevada, the weather was freezing and windy, but I didn't let that stop me. So far, this rifle shoots like a laser beam. I ran a couple of solvent-soaked patches down it, then dry patches, and shot 20 rounds. The break-in is complete.
Jeff Porter
Gold $$ Contributor
I clean the new barrel, hit the throat and bore lightly with JB paste ( in my mind it helps 
) Then go zero the barrel and shoot a few groups. 25-30 shots. I will bore scope it then and look for any rough spots to smooth out. If none, clean it again and it is broken in.
) Then go zero the barrel and shoot a few groups. 25-30 shots. I will bore scope it then and look for any rough spots to smooth out. If none, clean it again and it is broken in.
Rick300
Gold $$ Contributor
Exactly what I do
6.5 forever
Silver $$ Contributor
As I have followed this thread, I started to wonder why. I'm set in my methods. So I guess I'm still young enough to be inquisitive. I like that way of thinking!
I’m not expert so someone please correct me if I’m wrong here but the barrel is lapped, is it not the throat area that needs breaking in ? once the barrel starts to group isn’t it just a matter of speeding up from that point ?
jelenko
Gold $$ Contributor
If that's right, except for benchrest, does it matter?
Forum Boss
Administrator
I have discussed the issue of barrel break-in at length with John Krieger. He explained that it depends a lot on the quality of the original lapping, as well as the lands/grooves configuration. He said that a high-quality barrel should not, normally, need aggressive or extensive break-in procedures.
I understand that other members' experience may differ. Some guys say their barrels take 70-100 rounds to break in.
One of my best barrels, a Pac-Nor 3-groove 6BR, started out with multiple wet patches every 3 rounds followed by dry patches. After 15 rounds through the barrel, my club range president came by and asked to shoot the gun. At 100 yards, he shot a 4-shot group in 0.168", rounds 16, 17, 18, 19 through the barrel.
The gun, a Savage, then shot multiple 3-shot groups in the low 2s, occasional high ones. It was truly "good to go" after a dozen rounds or so.
After that, the barrel has been cleaned almost exclusively with liquid solvents and Wipe-Out foam. I apply the foam when the barrel is still warm.
My general advice on barrel break-in is to start conservatively, and see how your barrel performs. You may be pleasantly surprised.
I understand that other members' experience may differ. Some guys say their barrels take 70-100 rounds to break in.
One of my best barrels, a Pac-Nor 3-groove 6BR, started out with multiple wet patches every 3 rounds followed by dry patches. After 15 rounds through the barrel, my club range president came by and asked to shoot the gun. At 100 yards, he shot a 4-shot group in 0.168", rounds 16, 17, 18, 19 through the barrel.
The gun, a Savage, then shot multiple 3-shot groups in the low 2s, occasional high ones. It was truly "good to go" after a dozen rounds or so.
After that, the barrel has been cleaned almost exclusively with liquid solvents and Wipe-Out foam. I apply the foam when the barrel is still warm.
My general advice on barrel break-in is to start conservatively, and see how your barrel performs. You may be pleasantly surprised.
nakneker
Gold $$ Contributor
Multiple barrel manufacturers give barrel break in instructions, they are vary to a degree. I’ve tried most of them usually when I’m using one of their barrels. I’ve settled in to shoot and clean every shot for the first five shots, I use patch out and accelerator, then I shot a string of five shots and clean every fifth for 25 shots. Then I’ll shoot 20- 30 shots and clean. Depending on the copper I’ll spend a little more time possibly. After that I shoot for 50-100 rounds or until accuracy starts going. Ive been shooting a lot of HH, Lilja and Brux but I have Kreigers, PacNors, Harts and Douglas too. Still bummed HH got sold. Anyways, ask me in a year and may be doing something else but for now this has been working for me.
I don’t shoot competition I should add.
Opinions vary on the subject but a lot methods work just fine imo.
I don’t shoot competition I should add.
Opinions vary on the subject but a lot methods work just fine imo.
What or who is or was HH
Hawk Hill
I just shot a 398 28x with my HH 28" HV Chambered in 6br.
I cleaned the barrel and moved directly to charge weight testing.
473 rounds deep after today.
LET'R EAT!!
DocBII
Gold $$ Contributor
Good day,
Load 20 rounds with test loads 0.5 grains apart and shoot. Clean and load 20 rounds 0.2 grains apart from the best groups of the first round, or a new 20 round test group if the first give high or low pressure signs, cleans after firing. Repeat as needed, usually less than 80 rounds.
Have fun,
DocBII
Load 20 rounds with test loads 0.5 grains apart and shoot. Clean and load 20 rounds 0.2 grains apart from the best groups of the first round, or a new 20 round test group if the first give high or low pressure signs, cleans after firing. Repeat as needed, usually less than 80 rounds.
Have fun,
DocBII
Ranger188
Silver $$ Contributor
Brett, was this barrel from Shaun or a new barrel from the new owner?
Shawn's barrel, hanging off that Bighorn I got from ya.
I like to clean a new barrel before shooting it. Then take it out and shoot it. If it fouls badly you're not going to break in buy just cleaning it every few rounds.
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