New user, maybe dumb question.

[runawaygun762]

I do a lot of close-in shooting, using a Bushmaster M4 and pistols. My wife wanted to start varmint hunting, so I bought her a Rem 700 varmint rifle in 223 Rem with 1 in 12 heavy barrel. I have a couple questions before we actually shoot it. I have heard of breaking a barrel in, but I've found a few different methods listed. Is there a general consensus here as to the best way to do it? Next question, I know fire lapping works well to restore older or neglected bores, but would a new bore benefit from it? Any assistance would be appreciated.

 

[7stwhunter]

My break in method: Shoot it, Shoot some more, if it doesnt shoot rebarrel

 

[treeman]

in my opinion barrel break in depends on the barrel.on a new factory barrel i always poure about a pint of boiling water through it and then clean with kroil and shooters choice 50/50 mix. then shoot one shot and clean with sweets 7.62 to see how much copper I get out of it. if it seems to be copper fouling I scrub it with a tight fitting patch and jb bore cleaner or iosso bore paste. run a couple of clean patches. shoot another shot and check for copper again with sweets. I repeat this process untill I'm satified with the results. if you try this you will be amazed at the difference it makes compared to the shoot one clean method. works for me.
regards,
Darrell
p.s. most custom barrels only require a little polishing of the leade to eliminate copper fouling in my experience

 

[Dubya]

I do a lot of close-in shooting, using a Bushmaster M4 and pistols. My wife wanted to start varmint hunting, so I bought her a Rem 700 varmint rifle in 223 Rem with 1 in 12 heavy barrel. I have a couple questions before we actually shoot it. I have heard of breaking a barrel in, but I've found a few different methods listed. Is there a general consensus here as to the best way to do it? Next question, I know fire lapping works well to restore older or neglected bores, but would a new bore benefit from it? Any assistance would be appreciated.

Hey runaway!
Check out these two sites,
www.varminthunters.com/tech/sgycleaning. and
www.riflebarrels.com/centerfire.
some good tips at both.
Gary.