Bergara HMR new owner questions

Cade4436

Private
Minuteman
Aug 16, 2020
7
2
Just picked up my HMR in 6.5CM and am going to mount a Tract Toric UHD 30MM 4-20X50 w/ Iota rings on a 20moa Area 419 base. I’ve read here and elsewhere about new barrel break-in. Reread the owners manual and found the method they suggest.
Should I use the cheaper 125g Winchester hunting rounds from Walmart and save the 140-143-147g Hornady to see what the gun likes/sight in? Thanks in advance.
90C2BFE0-A272-4F06-9006-06104F979B17.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Do whatever makes you feel better. I have never done the shoot clean regiment and never will.
There is zero evidence that there is any benefit over just shooting the rifle.

Rifles that come with test targets, do you thing the manufacture does the shoot clean regiment.
 
Congrats. I have the same rifle, but with different Glass.

I went ahead and broke mine in even know their website shows this:
Screenshot_2.jpg


I did the fire/clean x5, fire 5/clean x5, fire 10/clean x2. That gave me 50 rounds of fire formed brass. Was it needed? Not sure. My old man would have come out of grave and kicked my ass if I didn't, so I did. I always have.

If you are going to reload, I would load or buy some quality match ammo for the break in. That way you have the fire formed brass. If not, I'd go as cheap as you can.
 
MY FIRST POST!!!

I just purchased the Bergara Wilderness HMR. I’ll pamper it for the first 30 rounds or so but I don’t believe it’s all that necessary. If the manufacturer recommended it strongly, I’d comply but I think your rifle will be legit without it. Good luck!
 
Thanks. What did you all sight in with- bipod/rear bag or front and rear bags? Most of my LR steel shooting will be done off the bipod (prone/bench) and the occasional field tripod for calling yotes.
 
Thanks. What did you all sight in with- bipod/rear bag or front and rear bags? Most of my LR steel shooting will be done off the bipod (prone/bench) and the occasional field tripod for calling yotes.

I've always used a bi-pod and bag, but just purchased a Caldwell Stinger rest to try. I've done very well with just a rear bag and bi-pod, but I think a good rest will help no doubt.
 
My HMR Pro was spotless. I broke it in with 10 rounds just for the hell of it. Likely didn’t need it. My sons B14 HMR was a bit dirtier in the bore. I cleaned it well. Then went straight to shooting.
I now clean every 200-250 rounds. You should be happy. They’re all typically good shooters.
 
Shoot the darn thing with whatever you want. Just don't worry too much about your groups or velocity until you've got 150 rounds down the tube.
 
I would say:

1) Clean out brand new factory bore, then skip break-in procedure.

2) Sight your rifle in exactly how you'll be using it in the field. Sighting in on a rest and then spending the rest of your time shooting from a bipod and bag or tripod is dumb.
Got my HMR Pro 6.5 CM, cleaned it, then shot it. Hornady Gunner 140`s shoot in the .3s for 5 shot groups. Just damn fine rifles.
 
MY FIRST POST!!!

I just purchased the Bergara Wilderness HMR. I’ll pamper it for the first 30 rounds or so but I don’t believe it’s all that necessary. If the manufacturer recommended it strongly, I’d comply but I think your rifle will be legit without it. Good luck!
How do you like that rifle
 
I would say:

1) Clean out brand new factory bore, then skip break-in procedure.

2) Sight your rifle in exactly how you'll be using it in the field. Sighting in on a rest and then spending the rest of your time shooting from a bipod and bag or tripod is dumb.

This has worked great for me. I have two, one in 6.5 and one in 7 Rem mag. Pretty damn consistent right out of the box. I say do whatever your budget allows as far as break in ammo for the first 150 or so, then use your preferred load or premium stuff and go from there.
 
For break in...

 
  • Like
Reactions: Asiparks
Take it out of the box, run a patch through it, fire 5 rounds, clean, 10 rounds, clean, done!
Have been shooting my HMR for years and it does best with Federal Gold Medal Berger, 130 gr. or any of the Hornady Match in the 140s.
Why would you want to shoot Winchester through your barrel when you'll get better results with Federal, or Hornady?
My advice: drop the sling swivels on the HMR forend and replace them with a BT 17 Picatiny Rail and get yourself an Atlas CAL, or PSR bipod you will never miss the Harris.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Junco Grande
Congrats on the new rifle Iv always clean a new rifle before I shoot and again after 5 rounds and after 20 and call it good.
Every one has a different theory this has worked good for me. After the initial cleaning I'll give it a good cleaning every 200 rnds or close to it. Enjoy Iv heard they good shooters!!