Soon I'll be breaking in a "used barrel"

[Aitch]

I've read the McMillan article and respect the opinions of both he and Mr. Beggs, however they are just that, opinions. Opinions of knowledgeable respected members of the precision shooting community. I still wish someone would do a side by side comparison of two barrels and verify that one method is superior to the other. I'm talking verifiable, objective evidence and analysis.

 

[JRS]

The shooting, cleaning, shooting, cleaning method, results in premature wear on the barrel. If money is no object, go for it. "The barrel makers love you".

 

[Eddie Harren]

"Opinions of knowledgeable respected members of the precision shooting community."

This is why JRS posts here. Listen to him.

 

[Aitch]

Well, there is another opinion that I value, that of the gentleman that rechambered my barrel, Ray Bowman of Precision Rifle & Tool. He has no interest in selling me a barrel, his interest is in the performance of his work. He said "break it in like a new barrel".
As the barrel has ~600 rounds down the tube, I don't think I'll touch the bore other than to lightly clean and oil, but as a retired engineer and machinist I believe I'll stick with my original statement and just "polish the throat", mikegaiz's initial comment makes sense to me. The crown is protected by a muzzle break, I use a bore guide and don't believe I'll shorten the life of the barrel.