New barrel break in

J

jamcam1999

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I know I am going to get a lot of different opinions on this subject but I am wondering how to break in the barrel of a new Tika T3x varmint, stainless in .223 calibre or is it even necessary? Thanks in advance for your input
 
This is what I was taught (and is also the same as what is listed on the Nosler website).
Fire 10 clean after each round.
Fire a 5 strings of 3. Clean after each string.
Shoot 5 shots and clean
Fire a fouling shot.
Shoot 3 rounds for accuracy
 
8x68 said:
This is what I was taught (and is also the same as what is listed on the Nosler website).
Fire 10 clean after each round.
Fire a 5 strings of 3. Clean after each string.
Shoot 5 shots and clean
Fire a fouling shot.
Shoot 3 rounds for accuracy
Click to expand...

This is the regime I would use with an ordinary button rifled barrel. It results in a barrel that tends to foul much less over its life.

If it is a custom made, hand lapped barrel, I shorten the regime to 5 shots, cleaned after each. Then 3 shots and clean, and then done.

For a hammer forged barrel, there aren't any real machining marks to smooth out, so I just fire 3 shots, cleaning after each.

In any of these regimes, the barrel initially fouls a lot after just one shot, but at some point there is suddenly almost no fouling. That is the signal the barrel has broken in.
 
You'll find lots of opinions on break in, backed by anecdotal evidence. It's all up to you.

My Tikka CTR got brought the range after a quick (one oiled cotton, one clean) cleaning from the factory, fired 40 shots, went home and cleaned. I usually shoot the same amount every time I shoot it (sometimes I skip the cleaning). It shoots 1/2 MOA as long as I do my part.
 
"Sooo how do you tell what your barrel is?
Say,what type of barrel ,does my Browning Xbolt SS have?"


If it is SS, it is probably button rifled. I am not aware of any mass produced rifles using cut rifling.

Someone here should chime in with the Browning data.
 
I generally do a shoot and clean cycle for five shots, then a three shot group and clean. If not fouling much, it is good to go. Remember, you are breaking in the throat where there are reamer marks...not the barrel.
 
I think most the most important thing would be to have a good bore guide like a Mule Lucas bore guide and use a nylon coated one piece rod like a Dewey rod to prevent any damage to the barrel.
I've seen guys scrubbing at the range and they say they are doing a breakin. Without the proper tools, you'll do more damage to a good barrel with bad cleaning techniques. Especially when they are going harder than they would on a hooker on a Saturday night.
My gun builder told me just to shoot mine. It's a bartlein barrel and never followed a breakin method of any kind. I'm 1300+ rounds in and it still shoots Great!
 
Jscobes said:
I think most the most important thing would be to have a good bore guide like a Mule Lucas bore guide and use a nylon coated one piece rod like a Dewey rod to prevent any damage to the barrel.
I've seen guys scrubbing at the range and they say they are doing a breakin. Without the proper tools, you'll do more damage to a good barrel with bad cleaning techniques. Especially when they are going harder than they would on a hooker on a Saturday night.
My gun builder told me just to shoot mine. It's a bartlein barrel and never followed a breakin method of any kind. I'm 1300+ rounds in and it still shoots Great!
Click to expand...

This ^^^^^^^ !!!!!!!

With the quality of barrels these days the "Break in regimen" is way over rated.

There are probably more barrels ruined by over/improper cleaning then shooting them out.

When I bought my PGWDTI Coyote (Bartlein barrel) I was told to just go out and shoot the thing and clean it at the end of the day.

I got the same advice from a buddy who happens to be a National Champion shooter as well....... ;)
 
Skullboy said:
This ^^^^^^^ !!!!!!!

With the quality of barrels these days the "Break in regimen" is way over rated.

There are probably more barrels ruined by over/improper cleaning then shooting them out.

When I bought my PGWDTI Coyote (Bartlein barrel) I was told to just go out and shoot the thing and clean it at the end of the day.

I got the same advice from a buddy who happens to be a National Champion shooter as well....... ;)
Click to expand...

YUP I agree too ! RJ
 
I use the break in to fire form the brass i will use in designated barrel. I will clean every 3 shot group and finish up with a 5 shot group. I will than clean the gun and leave it wet over night before patching it dry the next day.
 
I no longer break in barrels. I shoot and clean at end of day. Next new barrel (Bartlein) coming my way I'm going to experiment with no cleaning until accuracy falls off.
 
I had a Bartlein barrel a few years back and the very first shot down the barrel show the worst copper fouling that I have ever seen. Scrubbed that out and fired the second shot, still lots of fouling but not as bad as the first shot. Scrubbed that out again and fired the third shot. Again, not as much fouling as the second shot. Scrubbed that out and fired the 4th shot, no copper could be seen with the naked eye. Fired 2 more shots without cleaning and still could not see copper fouling with the naked eye. Cleaned one more time and considered break in finished.
 
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