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WI, USA
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Posted: 11/15/2016 12:06:56 PM EDT
I'm new to this game, so please pardon me if I'm walking into a mess with this question.
Talk to be about barrel break-in procedures. Some give very specific round counts and shot strings while others say it's completely bunk. I've got a RPR in 6.5CM, a Ruger American in .22-250 (backup rifle), and a Barrett M82A1 that are all NIB and ready to be fired. What, if anything, should I do to break them in properly? Thanks, Mike |
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Posted: 11/15/2016 12:20:00 PM EDT
[#1]
Originally Posted By prebans:
I'm new to this game, so please pardon me if I'm walking into a mess with this question. Talk to be about barrel break-in procedures. Some give very specific round counts and shot strings while others say it's completely bunk. I've got a RPR in 6.5CM, a Ruger American in .22-250 (backup rifle), and a Barrett M82A1 that are all NIB and ready to be fired. What, if anything, should I do to break them in properly? Thanks, Mike Shoot them. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 11/15/2016 1:24:55 PM EDT
[#2]
Follow this list carefully and completely:
A) go to range B) insert bullets C) point at target D) pull trigger E) repeat C and D until magazine empty. F) breath G) repeat B, C and D until ammo depleted. H) drive home I) clean gun. Which is the identical procedure even if the gun is completely broken in.. |
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Posted: 11/15/2016 1:44:36 PM EDT
[Last Edit: WildBoar]
[#3]
I used to do stupid break in rituals up until very recently and although I had witnesses friends not do one at all and get great results , I still did them.
Last week was the first time I started with a new barrel and did not do any fancy break in. I zeroed my scope with a few rounds 9 I think then shot 5 groups of 5 of various factory ball ammo just to see how it did through that barrel. AFter that I ran a patch of clp through it and then fired one more 5 round group to foul it up a bit before working on load development. I shot .457 to .559 groups and called it a day. As I drove home I reminisced at all the time I wasted in the past doing stupid barrel break in rituals. |
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USA
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Posted: 11/15/2016 1:50:49 PM EDT
[#4]
Just lube the shit out of your barrel the 1st 200 rounds. I ran a wet barrel until I shot 200 rounds. Now just normal lube and wipe. Both 308 and 6.5 are now tac drivers!
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Posted: 11/15/2016 1:58:45 PM EDT
[#5]
Just shoot it
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Posted: 11/15/2016 2:57:07 PM EDT
[#6]
Bartlein has a break-in procedure.
Kreiger has a break-in procedure. Lilja has a break-in procedure. But hey, they're just three of the top precision barrel manufacturers in the world. What do they know? |
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Posted: 11/15/2016 3:01:39 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GMZ:
Just shoot it |
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Posted: 11/15/2016 4:37:06 PM EDT
[Last Edit: TeeRex]
[#8]
I just shoot mine. I make sure there is nothing in before I shoot it the first time and from there I just shoot. I actually need to clean my latest build it has about 750 rounds on it now.
Bartlein's procedure is pretty much see what the barrel is telling you. The last sentence is :"This is meant as guide lines only. There is no hard and fast rule for breaking in a barrel." |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 11/15/2016 5:55:27 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By eracer:
Bartlein has a break-in procedure. Kreiger has a break-in procedure. Lilja has a break-in procedure. If the gun were a benchrest gun capable of shooting in the zeros, then barrel breakin might be worth something. If the gun were a tactical gun capable of being dragged over hill and dale to make a 1 MoA shot at long distances, not so much. |
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Posted: 11/15/2016 6:16:34 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By eracer:
Bartlein has a break-in procedure. Kreiger has a break-in procedure. Lilja has a break-in procedure. But hey, they're just three of the top precision barrel manufacturers in the world. What do they know? And McMillan admitted that they recommended barrel break-in simply to sell more barrels. |
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NC, USA
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Posted: 11/15/2016 10:09:19 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By eracer:
Bartlein has a break-in procedure. Kreiger has a break-in procedure. Lilja has a break-in procedure. But hey, they're just three of the top precision barrel manufacturers in the world. What do they know? How to sell more barrels...... Gale McMillan, of McMillan Stocks fame, was one of the finest barrel-makers and benchrest shooters of all time. Here he argues that elaborate barrel break-in procedures do more harm than good. http://www.6mmbr.com/gailmcmbreakin.html |
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Posted: 11/16/2016 12:18:14 AM EDT
[Last Edit: WildBoar]
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By eracer:
Kreiger has a break-in procedure. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By eracer:
Kreiger has a break-in procedure. And Kreiger even admits theirs is more of a guideline and even say-- If you have a better way that works for you without damaging the bore or using improper chemicals, by all means continue to use your methods. ETA I used to do it similar to their way. On every gun  no matter the quality because that's what I was taught and it became habit. I cant imagine how retarded I looked when doing it to my M1 Carbine all those years ago lol
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Posted: 11/16/2016 6:47:32 AM EDT
[Last Edit: winddummy82]
[#13]
Originally Posted By prebans: I'm new to this game, so please pardon me if I'm walking into a mess with this question. Talk to be about barrel break-in procedures. Some give very specific round counts and shot strings while others say it's completely bunk. I've got a RPR in 6.5CM, a Ruger American in .22-250 (backup rifle), and a Barrett M82A1 that are all NIB and ready to be fired. What, if anything, should I do to break them in properly? Thanks, Mike In Molon we trust! this guy science's it up and provides repeatable data to back up his findings. do yourself a favor and checkout his posts and decide for yourself.  http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_16_4/4186_.html&page=1&anc=59299#i59299 |
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Posted: 11/16/2016 4:16:31 PM EDT
[Last Edit: HighpowerRifleBrony]
[#14]
Break-in is more about removing tool marks so there's less copper fouling, which should allow a longer, flatter accuracy curve relative to shots fired without cleaning.
For overall precision, it may be the difference between a 0.1 and 0.2 MOA gun. Many consider the gains too small for the effort put in. I pay homage to the barrel gods with "shoot 1, clean, X5". ETA: someone here had a thread on the Hide detailing their experience. |
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Posted: 11/17/2016 1:00:27 AM EDT
[#15]
I never did any sort of crazy break in procedure, but as others have said I did go to the range, but 2 boxes of shitty ZQI ammo down the pipe, then clean it (with CLP) and then continue shooting.
The reason I hardly ever "strip" the barrel of copper is because I use the "copper equilibrium" ideal. Basically you foul up the barrel with copper to fill in the tooling marks. See tiborasaurous Rex videos on YouTube for more In depth info, it's almost overwhelming. "Sniper 101" is the series. |
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Posted: 11/17/2016 4:21:25 PM EDT
[#16]
Do whatever floats your boat but I've never done a barrel break in and all my precision rigs shoot fine. In PRS you'll find as many if not more guys that dont do barrel break in vs guys that do. If it was worth it everyone would be doing it.
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Posted: 11/17/2016 4:22:14 PM EDT
[#17]
I did an abbreviated break-in on my (one and only) high end barrel, a 223-chambered Krieger for my AR.
Fired a few rounds (slowly), wet patched, a light scrubbing, dry patched. Did the same after another 10 rounds, and again after another 20. Called it good. 2000+ rounds later, it still shoots in the .7s The thing doesn't copper up AT ALL. I've never had a barrel do that 
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Posted: 11/17/2016 4:25:11 PM EDT
[#18]
I just shoot the piss out of it then clean it really good.
After it settles down, I consider it to be settled down. |
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Posted: 11/17/2016 4:29:47 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By eracer:
Bartlein has a break-in procedure. Kreiger has a break-in procedure. Lilja has a break-in procedure. But hey, they're just three of the top precision barrel manufacturers in the world. What do they know? They know how to get you to buy more barrels. |
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Posted: 11/17/2016 4:49:53 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By LeadRX:
I never did any sort of crazy break in procedure, but as others have said I did go to the range, but 2 boxes of shitty ZQI ammo down the pipe, then clean it (with CLP) and then continue shooting. The reason I hardly ever "strip" the barrel of copper is because I use the "copper equilibrium" ideal. Basically you foul up the barrel with copper to fill in the tooling marks. See tiborasaurous Rex videos on YouTube for more In depth info, it's almost overwhelming. "Sniper 101" is the series. I am sure there is some good info in there, but I would take his videos with a grain of salt. |
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Posted: 11/17/2016 6:48:50 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TeeRex:
I am sure there is some good info in there, but I would take his videos with a grain of salt. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TeeRex:
Originally Posted By LeadRX:
I never did any sort of crazy break in procedure, but as others have said I did go to the range, but 2 boxes of shitty ZQI ammo down the pipe, then clean it (with CLP) and then continue shooting. The reason I hardly ever "strip" the barrel of copper is because I use the "copper equilibrium" ideal. Basically you foul up the barrel with copper to fill in the tooling marks. See tiborasaurous Rex videos on YouTube for more In depth info, it's almost overwhelming. "Sniper 101" is the series. I am sure there is some good info in there, but I would take his videos with a grain of salt. Any specific reason? |
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Posted: 12/9/2016 3:09:01 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By HighpowerRifleBrony:
Break-in is more about removing tool marks so there's less copper fouling, which should allow a longer, flatter accuracy curve relative to shots fired without cleaning.For overall precision, it may be the difference between a 0.1 and 0.2 MOA gun. Many consider the gains too small for the effort put in.I pay homage to the barrel gods with "shoot 1, clean, X5". ETA: someone here had a thread on the Hide detailing their experience. |
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Posted: 12/9/2016 3:13:53 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AR-180:
They know how to get you to buy more barrels. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AR-180:
Originally Posted By eracer:
Bartlein has a break-in procedure. Kreiger has a break-in procedure. Lilja has a break-in procedure.But hey, they're just three of the top precision barrel manufacturers in the world. What do they know? They know how to get you to buy more barrels. I guess I'm missing something here. How does their endorsing a break-in procedure cause me to buy more barrels? 
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NC, USA
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Posted: 12/9/2016 7:24:18 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By pcsutton:
I guess I'm missing something here. How does their endorsing a break-in procedure cause me to buy more barrels? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By pcsutton:
Originally Posted By AR-180:
Originally Posted By eracer:
Bartlein has a break-in procedure. Kreiger has a break-in procedure. Lilja has a break-in procedure.But hey, they're just three of the top precision barrel manufacturers in the world. What do they know? They know how to get you to buy more barrels. I guess I'm missing something here. How does their endorsing a break-in procedure cause me to buy more barrels? Really.... |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 12/10/2016 2:17:00 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By pcsutton:
I guess I'm missing something here. How does their endorsing a break-in procedure cause me to buy more barrels? When you burn up 10% of the barrel's life breaking it in, you buy the next barrel earlier. |
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Posted: 12/10/2016 11:49:47 PM EDT
[Last Edit: pcsutton]
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MitchAlsup:
When you burn up 10% of the barrel's life breaking it in, you buy the next barrel earlier. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MitchAlsup:
Originally Posted By pcsutton:
I guess I'm missing something here. How does their endorsing a break-in procedure cause me to buy more barrels? When you burn up 10% of the barrel's life breaking it in, you buy the next barrel earlier. Are you saying you change barrels every 200 rounds, or do you just not know what you're talking about? |
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USA
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Posted: 12/11/2016 5:21:01 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ICU]
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By pcsutton:
It's like 20 rounds to break in a barrel. Are you saying you change barrels every 200 rounds, or do you just not know what you're talking about? I don't think it the 20rds fired... But the scrubbing, chemicals &/or technique that may or may not contribute to additional wear. I wish I was good enough to tell the difference... 
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Posted: 12/11/2016 6:01:18 PM EDT
[Last Edit: TeeRex]
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By pcsutton:
It's like 20 rounds to break in a barrel. Are you saying you change barrels every 200 rounds, or do you just not know what you're talking about? it's not the rounds but extra cleaning that can be harmful to barrels. I've had 6mm barrels that i shot out without ever running a rod down. Notice I said can be not does. |
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USA
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Posted: 12/11/2016 10:27:12 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By lew:
And McMillan admitted that they recommended barrel break-in simply to sell more barrels. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By lew:
Originally Posted By eracer:
Bartlein has a break-in procedure. Kreiger has a break-in procedure. Lilja has a break-in procedure. But hey, they're just three of the top precision barrel manufacturers in the world. What do they know? And McMillan admitted that they recommended barrel break-in simply to sell more barrels. |
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Posted: 12/13/2016 10:55:56 AM EDT
[#30]
I go 800-1000 rounds between cleaning with my .308 and .223 even at those numbers there is almost zero copper.
I did 10 rounds of 1 shot/clean for break in on those in hopes of removing any chamber burrs there may be. If you are not a moron you can clean a barrel 10 or 20times without ruining it.So that cute little statement about selling more barrels is pretty ridiculous. |
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Posted: 12/13/2016 11:51:48 AM EDT
[#31]
I clean with copper solvent after each trip for the first few trips. I try to keep the round count low on the first trips too.
I see the merit in doing it to clean off the tool marks from the lead during chambering. However for any barrel whose accuracy I care enough about to break in, I also use my own reamer so I know it's not worn. Also and more importantly, I am not capable of remembering to bring all my cleaning shit to the range so I often just shoot it. |
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Posted: 12/22/2016 3:53:32 PM EDT
[Last Edit: claytonTheDestroyer]
[#32]
I zero the weapon slowly, and then group it slowly. That's about the only break-in procedure I've done.
Otherwise, what's the rationale? Is this an issue where people think that too much heat too early will alter the metal and the barrel's accuracy? I have always been interested in hearing a good argument for this. I'm sure somebody has one. Sniper and Mech Eng qual'd guy here... |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 2/8/2017 11:56:04 AM EDT
[#33]
The barrel will break in eventually. Either way works. The 20 shot break in is trully a WASTE of 20 rounds. They are not good for working up loads, testing accuracy, etc. There is no copper established in the bore and each shot is like a new cold bore shot and barrel changes are rapid.
Sure, my rifle might get marginally better over 200 to 300 rounds if I don't break it in. Sure you get there in 20 with a break in. You do not trap copper in the throat that can never be removed if you fail to do the break in... that is a wives tale. The throat will totally erode eventually... you think there will be more copper magically in the throat after errosion? No. Me? I clean the barrel very well before the first day of shoiting. I shoot my first day, get a rough zero, see what she likes/does not like, all the while realizing it takes 10 to 20 rounds to stabilize copper. Then, I go home and completely clean it to remove everthing! That's my first range trip break in. After that, I don't remove copper because velocity changes shot to shot for 10-20 shots. I can watch the bullets land one on top of the other in a line till it settles down again. Once it has settled down a second time and I get a rough 200 yard zero and try the bullets the barrel did not hate at 100 to see if anything stands out. I have a good rough zero and know what bullets the barrel likes and does not like, one or two bullet types/weights. Range trip 3 you can do a ladder test with your best bullets but FOR GOD'S SAKE DO NOT REMOVE THE COPPER FROM THE BORE...EVER... until accuracy drops off! Then it will take 10-20 rounds to stabilize again. |
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NJ, USA
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Posted: 3/26/2017 11:38:16 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Rifleman101]
[#34]
Here is a link to a GREAT video on barrel break in that has answered all of my questions on this subject. https://youtu.be/AXf6oZzLYaY
You might watch some of this guys other videos as well, the series is very informative and helpful. As for my own experience, I use white oak armament barrels for my precision rifles and they come hand lapped. I don't do any kind of break in procedure on a new barrel, I just make sure it's clean and dry before I shoot it the first time. I would never shoot with oil in the bore because this can actually cause pressure dents in the bore. I basically just clean it before I shoot it the first time, I'll sight in my scope and fire around 80-100 rounds to build up a good copper fouling equilibrium and make any needed adjustments on my scope. Never followed any kind of new barrel ritual and my guns shoot 1/4" MOA. |
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Posted: 3/27/2017 11:18:40 AM EDT
[#35]
Years ago I spoke at length with a barrel maker. One who is a the top as far as barrel makers go. On this subject he told me that a new barrel actually twists and than "Snaps back" to its at cold position. After a few rounds the barrel then takes a set and will return to the same after every shot. What he said harms a new barrel is heat from firing to fast. So barrel makers came up with the shoot clean shoot times X number of rounds to ensure we the end user didn't get the barrels to hot on initial break in. And than slam the barrel as being junk.
So really all you have to do is take it easy on the barrel for the first 50 or 100 rounds and clean normally. This has worked well for me on the few good barrel I have recently purchased. |
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Posted: 3/31/2017 6:40:15 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CoffeedrinkerinNC:
How to sell more barrels...... Gale McMillan, of McMillan Stocks fame, was one of the finest barrel-makers and benchrest shooters of all time. Here he argues that elaborate barrel break-in procedures do more harm than good. http://www.6mmbr.com/gailmcmbreakin.html I'm sure nearly every one gets velocity data or zero's the rifle or something while they "break it in." That isn't a waste. You would have to do it anyway. The waste may be on cleaning patches. |
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Posted: 3/31/2017 7:12:52 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By owlless:
His logic doesn't make sense. Breaking in doesn't shorten the life of your barrel. You may get less useful shots if you are just shooting up in the air or at a rock while breaking in but who would waste expensive ammo doing that? I'm sure nearly every one gets velocity data or zero's the rifle or something while they "break it in." That isn't a waste. You would have to do it anyway. The waste may be on cleaning patches. |
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Posted: 7/24/2017 7:58:31 PM EDT
[#38]
So to throw more kindling on, what solvent?
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Posted: 7/25/2017 2:36:31 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TeeRex:
it's not the shot's it is poor cleaning processes can and have damaged barrels. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TeeRex:
it's not the shot's it is poor cleaning processes can and have damaged barrels. Originally Posted By MadCowRacer:
So to throw more kindling on, what solvent? |
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Posted: 7/26/2017 7:46:16 AM EDT
[Last Edit: popnfresh]
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By lew:
And McMillan admitted that they recommended barrel break-in simply to sell more barrels. Firing 10-15 round and few (proper)cleanings mixed in does pretty much zero to the life of the barrel. Edit I guess I already addressed this, someone resurrected this thread |
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Posted: 8/16/2017 11:09:02 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By popnfresh:
Edit I guess I already addressed this, someone resurrected this thread 
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Posted: 12/4/2017 4:13:35 PM EDT
[Last Edit: magnum_99]
[#42]
A properly hand lapped high quality barrel will need no break in and only minimal cleaning over its life.
Heavy cleaning with harsh chemicals and brushes will do more harm than good. Light cleaning with a patch and maybe a swipe or two with a brush every few hundred rounds is all that is needed. |
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Posted: 12/4/2017 5:03:19 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Lomshek:
All this has happened before and it will happen again. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Lomshek:
Originally Posted By popnfresh:
Edit I guess I already addressed this, someone resurrected this thread |
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IL, USA
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Posted: 12/10/2017 11:25:38 AM EDT
[#44]
Shoot some bi metal Russian steel case through it. THAT should do nicely
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