New Rifle break in and cleaning procedure

[scalerman]

Is there a recommended procedure for breaking in a new barrel? I have never done this before and will have the pleasure of breaking a new barrel soon. also what is the proper procedure for rifle cleaning. I know how I have been doing it for years but don't want to wreck my new rifle by doing it wrong.

[Jack]

Oh Boy!
The 'new barrel break in' is one of those things where everyone has their own way of doing it, and no one has real proof that their way is more effective than others.
Proper cleaning is somewhat that way, too- everyone's got a regimen they believe in.
I think I can safely say that, for proper cleaning, you should always clean from the breech, if possible, always use a bore guide, and always use a 1 piece cleaning rod. Some prefer coated rods, some plain steel. Either way, getting in the habit of wiping the rod down with a cloth frequently to remove bits of grit before they can get in your bore is a wise precaution.
The new foam bore cleaners seem to be favored by a lot of people. Bore solvents is another one where everyone has a preference, and there are a lot of good ones on the market.
Then there's bore brushes. Some favor no brushes, some like nylon, some think you need to use bronze brushes.

[Adam Helmer]

scalerman,

There has been reams of "documentation" written on proper barrel break-in. Most of it is horse puckey, in my humble opinion. I would clean the bore of a new rifle to remove any factory preservative therein BEFORE shooting. I would not do the "Fire One Shot, Clean Bore and fire Round #2" regimen favored by many gun scribes.

Most of my sporting arms and all military arms on establishment have ALL been fired many times before they came into my possession. Thus, I cannot become anal about "Bore Break-in." Many of my arms are real "tack-drivers" and some have been long past their prime before I acquired them.

Back to your question: I would clean and dry the bore of a new arm, fire rounds slowly so as not to overheat the barrel and clean every 50 rounds or so. This is how I handled my several rebarreled rifles. Clean from the breech and wipe the rod often to remove residue. I do not use a bore guide because I keep the cleaning rod centered in the bore. I avoid stainless steel bore brushes, but find bronze bristle brushes are fine. I use nylon brushes when I water-clean bores after firing corrosive ammo in bolt guns. Hope this helps.

Adam

[Larryjk]

I have used the break in procedure recommended by Shilen Barrel Co. Clean to bare steel after each of the first 5 shots. Then clean after each 5 shots until you have fired at least 50 rounds. I believe in "Blue Goop" on a patch wrapped around a nylon brush.
Shilen says use a brass brush. I have been known to lap the bore with Simichrome before it is ever shot. Sparingly and carefully is the only way to use that product. After break in I believe in 'Moly" treating the bore for the ease of cleaning it provides.

[Rapier]

Go here, buy a small can. Follow the directions, shoot as you develop loads. It is almost magic. You can read the testimonials and test data if you wish.

http://www.sweetshooter.com/

Ed

[GoodOlBoy]

My barrel break in procedure is as follows. 25 rounds of jacketed ammo. Check bore. If bore is a wreck clean it. If not fire another 25 rounds through it. Then clean the bore. After cleaning fire 25 rounds of jacketed ammo, check bore, if bore is a wreck clean it, if not fire another 25 rounds though it then clean it. Most calibers 100 rounds is more than enough to break it in, HOWEVER on thin walled standard hunting barrels do this slowly (IE it typically takes me 2-3 days of patient slow shooting) to keep from overheating the barrel has you do it. In some 22s it has taken me 200 rounds to shoot then in, and in one 38 special it took me 250-300 rounds before the gun started to behave, however this gun had a VERY rough throat when it was purchased new.

GoodOlBoy