Barrel Break-in? Yes or no?

[redneck2]

I think the answer is a question...

was your barrel the first one cut with that tooling, or the last one?

Hart

We recommend that you allow us to flute your barrel, as fluting is done before the final lapping...

I'd treat something from a high end maker differently than a Remington, Winchester, Savage, etc. I don't think you can paint everything with one broad brush.

I have some super fine polishing compound that I use on a tight patch in new barrels. Some times you can feel how smooth the barrel is. If it's not super smooth, I polish it very gently.

Guys here want to get into fist fights about "X" brand being more accurate, or the most accurate or whatever. Back to the tooling thing...

 

[mwsenoj]

I really don't think it is impossible to test this scientifically. It *is* impractical for the average you and me to test this, but if a gun manufacturer could do the test with 50 barrels in two groups - 50 no break in and 50 that are broken in - and compare the groups and amount of copper fouling they could find some meaningful data IF there is really an advantage either way.

 

[chrome_austex]

old thread. Let it die!

 

[Motega]

No doubt some barrels benefit. Some advantages- the shooting slowly thing not only allowing the barrel to cool but forcing you the shooter to really concentrate on each shot, and also if you are disassembling some of the action to clean it you are wearing in/breaking in parts. I've even done the Tubbs fire lapping bullets (they sell preloaded ammo now). As mentioned a premium barrel may not benefit

Cleaning a barrel may do more harm than good- get a decent bore guide and use it. Get a decent rod and don't ding up the throat, crown, or rifling. I recommend the Bore-Tech stuff highly... there may be stuff as good but nothing better. Great customer service and good prices.

 

[joed]

I've never believed in a break in. I go out and shoot 20 shots, never letting the barrel get hot. Then clean when I get home. Or clean and shoot another 20.

I'll hear people preach a whole regimen of what to do and how many rounds to fire before cleaning. In their mind I'm sure they're right but I just laugh.

No one has ever proven a breakin hurts or helps.

My only recommendation is don't let the barrel get hot.

 

[taliv]

let's start a new thread if someone has some new info to discuss