Barrel break in

[snipe10]

There's been a of of talk about the best way to break in a new rifle. Please forgive my ignorance if my questions are obvious.

1. is the procedure different for different rifles, i.e. Sako TRG22 vs AI vs Rem?
2. is there an accepted best way that is standard for all new rifles?
3. does it make any difference for different calibers?

And finally, what's worked best for you?

Thanks in advance,

 

[Topstrap]

Re: Barrel break in

Never broke one in yet and they all shoot extremely well. Been lots of threads on this topic and the search will bring them up and save a lot of time going back and forth among those that believe it helps and those than know it don't make a difference.

Based on that, I think a higher end barrel is much smoother and shoots great when installed, a cheaper or some factory barrels are rougher and could use some smoothing up. That is why some shoot better fouled and others shoot great with cold bore shots and after a cleaning.

Topstrap

 

[NateD33]

Re: Barrel break in

Like Topstrap said, if you get a good high end barrel there's really no need for break in. A friend of mine and I had our guns built and received them at about the same time, so naturally we went to the range together with our new toys. While he "broke" his barrel in, I already a 1000 yard dope card made. The next time we went we did five shot groups at 100 and 300, since I'm usually the better shot, I shot both and there was no big difference in accuracy. My rifle held tighter groups but I'm pretty sure it was because my trigger is set to 1lb and his is 2.5lbs. All that being said, it still doesn't hurt doing a break in but which process you want to go with, since I've heard about 20 different ways to do it, is up to you. My rifle is not the first rifle I've seen not "broke in" properly and all have shot fine. It's really up to you.

 

[HPLLC]

Re: Barrel break in

If you have a rough barrel you are better off having a gunsmith lap it.

Premium barrels are often lapped as they come from the manufacturer.

I don't believe in break in, but I do believe lapping improves the accuracy of a barrel by removing high spots.