Break in

[Baylian]

What is the procedure for breaking in a new .22 LR? I have a CZ 452 that I topped with a Nikon 4x32 Rimfire. Where should I zero it?

Thanks, TJ

[Rocky Raab]

Absolutely no breakin required. Rimfires are low-pressure, low velocity and use soft lead lubricated bullets.

Those bullets at those speeds and pressures actually lap the barrel. A few hundred rounds and your bore will be as smooth as glass. So just shoot it and enjoy that CZ.

[Catfish]

You should give the barrel a good cleaning befor you shoot it though. Nessary to remove the grease the factory put in it to keep it from rusting.

[Baylian]

Thanks guys! I have heard of shooting a special kind of bullet you can shoot through your barrel to lap it. What kind of bullet is it? Should I do it?

Thanks again, TJ

[Rocky Raab]

Firelapping kits nclude soft lead bullets embedded with varying degrees of lapping compound. You are instructed to handload reduced charges and start with a few shots of the coarse grit, then move through the finer grits until you're happy.

I've never used one, due to my own worries about what the process does to the rifle's throat.

I'm also not aware of any in rimfire form. Can't imagine why anybody would want it except to remove severe rusting - and such a barrel would likely be beyond salvage.

Baylian, your CZ is about as good as they come. Just clean it and then shoot it.

[Cossack]

No brek in required. Firelapping not recommended for any gun, except as a last resort for one with poor accuracy. Different grades of valve grinding compound impregnated bullets are used progressively. Generally speaking won't work for 22, too slow.
Just shoot that CZ, preferably with lead bullets...seal better in the barrel and won't ever have to clean copper fouling. If it shoots like mine you are one lucky man.