ok, .308 howa 1500.... new gun never fired..... whats proper break in prodo for this rifel? says to shot clean shoot clean shoot clean for first 20 or so shots, is this not a little rediculous? any proper way or is there really any one way as long as it gets cleaned after day of shooting and not after every shot.
barrel break in
- Thread starter ivorytip
- Start date
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Retterath
Veteran member
There has been some gunsmiths that have told me they never break in there barrels,that is a custom barrel and they clean it when done with the build but you can take that how u want. I use to shoot clean shoot clean five times then shoot clean 3 times then shoot clean once. There are so many different things on clean a barrel, i think its just mainly cleaning out any shavings that would still be in there from the factory but not an expert on it. just my .02 cents
I would recommend getting a really good bore guide and a high quality rod before starting your cleaning. The bore guide made by Mike Lucas is very good. It keeps the rod from making unwanted contact with the throat of the bore. There are web sites dedicated to shooting that have some good info on this subject. Using the wrong cleaning technique / procedure / equipment can do significant harm to your rifle.
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
I wouldn't put too much into "break-in" I would clean after 5 shots for the first twenty (While you are sighting in, load developing, practicing, etc.) Then clean as needed.
Some barrel makers say it is important, some don't. I remember a Barsness article years ago where he compared a strict regimented break-in process with no break-in at all and found no appreciable difference in performance, other than the broke in barrel showed more throat erosion.
I don't worry about it. YMMV.
I am with LaHunter on the bore guide and quality rod. I think improper cleaning does much more damage than shooting.
Some barrel makers say it is important, some don't. I remember a Barsness article years ago where he compared a strict regimented break-in process with no break-in at all and found no appreciable difference in performance, other than the broke in barrel showed more throat erosion.
I don't worry about it. YMMV.
I am with LaHunter on the bore guide and quality rod. I think improper cleaning does much more damage than shooting.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Eberle
Veteran member
This is a very good subject. I've never broke in a barrel on my new guns. I just shot & cleaned them. Right or wrong? I've never had any issues.
woodtick
Veteran member
The first shot will be the best shot out of a barrel, from there on out it's just gonna be wear and tear. Just keep it clean using a good bore guide and rod, and don't over heat it and you'll be fine. I've build dozens of customs with the help of my Uncle and I've never worried about this shoot 5 then clean for 25-30 rounds crap!! Good luck Ivory!!
woodtick
Veteran member
Retterath
Veteran member
i have also heard that the break in process started many many years ago from barrel makers saying thats what needs to be done and it has just been the thing to do for a long time now. I am totally with BB and woodtick shoot it then clean it.
In God We Trust
Very Active Member
Dearhunter3450
Active Member
I am having a ballistics "expert" develop some loads for my .300wsm. The rifle is new and never fired. He told me to buy cheap factory ammo and fire three rounds then run a patch or two down the barrel and repeat until I fire two boxes through it. At that point I can start shooting for accuracy. Not sure if that's needed but sounds good lol. Only thing is I can't find cheap ammo lol.
squirrelduster
Active Member
Totally with BB and Woodtick.
Stay away from boresnakes. The fouling it pulls out of your barrel stay stuck in it so every time you run it down your barrel you are redistributing the crap in the snake. I keep one in my pack in case I get something in my barrel.
One other important note is don't over clean your barrel. After a good cleaning most barrels take somewhere around 10 shots to develop the best accuracy. I don't believe cleaning your barrel is really necessary as frequently as most people do it. I clean mine once a year now that I have my load development done.
PointsHunter
Member
I've never broke in a barrel and haven't seen wear for the worse... Although I'm not an authority to write there isn't merit to it. I am 100% with other posters regarding quality bore guide and rod. Would venture to guess FAR more damage to rifling from poor cleaning technique than overshooting a barrel out of the box.
I'm with the minority with squirrelduster on not over cleaning. The fact is most shooters can't shoot appreciably better with clean vs dirty barrel. Same can be said of shooting factory vs home reloading... But that's a different discussion.
I'm with the minority with squirrelduster on not over cleaning. The fact is most shooters can't shoot appreciably better with clean vs dirty barrel. Same can be said of shooting factory vs home reloading... But that's a different discussion.
Are we talking about the Otis Cleaning system? Or the actual bore snake labelled system? I have the Otis system and I can't see where you would do any damage with it.
Sawfish
Very Active Member
Boresnake is not a system, but a pull through with a brush at the front. Otis has just introduced a product called Ripcord that is a pull through with the brush incorporated into a hard rubber jag (for lack of a better term) covered with Nomex. I have been using these in a couple of calibers since the first of the year, and am very pleased with the results.