can someone tell me what the "right way" to break in a barrel is on a new rifle that every one talks about on here

5 rounds, bore snake X2...repeat. That's my way, don't know if it's the right way.

thanks always wondered what everyone was talking about

You'll get more replies if you put your question on the post title in the future. I was just curious as to what the crooked exclamation point meant.

Browning recomends one shot then clean for 10 rounds, then 2 shots clean for the next 10 rounds. Well worth the trouble IMO.

Some of my rifles I've had for 20 years and they still haven't seen that many rounds.

shoot,clean, shoot clean for 10 rounds. then shoot,shoot clean for another 10 then youre good

10-4 I'll modify my method.

I have never done that crap on any of my rifles. Once I find the right bullets its go time.

Just wondering, but if im getting very good groups, what is the purpose?

The purpose is "supposed" to be, that it helps remove some irregularities in the bore left behind by the rifling process. Accuracy is a secondary benefit. Again, supposedly, the real benefit is to make the bore where it fouls less (preserving shot to shot consistency over a longer period between cleanings), and is thus easier to clean (when cleaned in regular intervals).

I know a lot of people who have never broken in a barrel in their lives, and never noticed a difference. And then there are some people who, like HWYMAN, will rarely ever shoot over 100rnds thru a gun in it's life. Personally, I break in every rifle I own, whether or not it's new. If it's not new, I will clean it the bore absolutely spotless, and go thru a break-in procedure similar to what's described above. And I always do it on a new gun.

I'm not going to argue the merits or benefits of breaking in a barrel as I have no, nor have I seen, any scientific proof that it helps at all. But most all barrel manufacturers recommend it, and they're the metallurgists, not me. So any arguments against the necessity of this process should really be direct towards them, not all of us who follow their advice.

As for the added expense, let's do some math. We'll spend $500-$1000 on a rifle, anywhere from $200-$1000 on a scope, $50-$200 on a case for the gun, $20-$50 for a sling, $20-$30 for a set of lense covers (sometimes), and sometimes $100 for a bi pod. And then we'll complain about the cost of a few boxes of shells? Myself, I use the break-in period to do some very preliminary load development, and to start getting familiar with my rifle. I reload, so ammo prices don't hit me as hard as some (buying components instead of loaded rounds).

I guess it kinda goes back to something I've said all along. To some people shooting is a necessary evil involved with the activity of hunting. To these folks, anything more than the bare minimum of effort is just a pain in the rear. And that's OK, but they should not scoff at other peoples efforts to better their selves or equipment. And, to some of us shooting is a hobby completely separate from hunting itself. Personally, I would still shoot regularly, even if I were to quit hunting. The physics, mechanics, and challenge involved appeal to my meticulous nature.

Break it in if ya wanna. Don't if ya don't. It's all up to you.


Jay

well said psycho... ive had used guns that you know the barrel wasnt broken in at all, they shoot great.. but the way i look at it is exactly the same as you. one extra box of ammo is well worth it at the risk of ruining a good gun.

!

Thanks Pyscho, I like the way you lay out the facts, some of your opinion, but keep it all in prospective. BTW, I still use your cleaning recommendations and have discovered what clean really is on some of my guns that I thought were clean. Thanks again for your advice.