Barrell Break-In

[hspratt3]

I over heard someone talking about this, so I did some searching. I found a vid on Midway USA's site and also this link Gun Barrel Break-In Procedure

I was wondering if anyone here has really done this? Is it really needed? Does it make a diffrence in barrel ware and performance?

[GeneticsDave]

From what I have been told, if your barrel is chrome lined, there is no need to break it in. Just my $0.02.

[Mercmar]

Per the late Gale McMillan, whose barrels hold small group world records, there is no need to "break-in" any barrel. Bushy says to run a couple-hundred fmjs through their chrome-lined barrels, in order to polish the chrome. Of course, they also say that having them flute a barrel stiffens the barrel, which is a lie.

[Uriel999]

Originally Posted by Mercmar

Per the late Gale McMillan, whose barrels hold small group world records, there is no need to "break-in" any barrel. Bushy says to run a couple-hundred fmjs through their chrome-lined barrels, in order to polish the chrome. Of course, they also say that having them flute a barrel stiffens the barrel, which is a lie.

I don't know enough to argue whether or not fluting a barrel stiffens it but a fluted barrel looks effing sweet!

[Deadcenter]

Fluting is supposed to help cool the barrel as it gives it more surface area.

As to barrel break-in, for non-chrome lined or SS barrels:

my gunsmith recommended shoot and clean for 5 (five) rounds and yer golden.

He also recommended Break-Free CLP to clean with during the procedure.

[apexhunter]

Regardless of the style and caliber of rifle a proper break in is always a good idea; especially if one is going to be doing much tagrget or long range shooting with the gun. Like the article mentioned, you can shoot, clean, shoot and clean some more until the imperfections are smoothes out/removed to the point that projectiles have a clean pathway down the bore (basically the bullets are lapping the bore to remove the imperfections).

A newer method is to use a new special "break in" ammo kit. This is live ammo with projectiles that are very mildly abrasive- as you shoot them they lap the bore more effectively and with fewer rounds than normal bullets. Following the instructions you shoot a few bullets of group 1 & clean the bore. Then shoot a few of the next series (#2) and clean...finally you'll shoot a few of the #3 bullets bullets that basically hone the bore absolutely smooth, clean the bore and you are done.

I can't remember the manufacturer but I've read about them and saw Craig Boddington using them on a show one evening through NIB rifle with great results. He shot a test group of about 1-1/2" with normal ammo, went thru the break in bullets, cleaned the bore and shot another group with the regular stuff...the group shrunk to <3/4".

[hspratt3]

Originally Posted by Mercmar

Per the late Gale McMillan, whose barrels hold small group world records, there is no need to "break-in" any barrel. Bushy says to run a couple-hundred fmjs through their chrome-lined barrels, in order to polish the chrome. Of course, they also say that having them flute a barrel stiffens the barrel, which is a lie.

I googled this man and read his .02 on the subject. I am leaning tward his side. The one I will do is to not go and do major rappid fire when I take my AR out for its first session. A little cooling time betwen a few shots.

[scooterj]

Originally Posted by apexhunter

Regardless of the style and caliber of rifle a proper break in is always a good idea; especially if one is going to be doing much tagrget or long range shooting with the gun. Like the article mentioned, you can shoot, clean, shoot and clean some more until the imperfections are smoothes out/removed to the point that projectiles have a clean pathway down the bore (basically the bullets are lapping the bore to remove the imperfections).

A newer method is to use a new special "break in" ammo kit. This is live ammo with projectiles that are very mildly abrasive- as you shoot them they lap the bore more effectively and with fewer rounds than normal bullets. Following the instructions you shoot a few bullets of group 1 & clean the bore. Then shoot a few of the next series (#2) and clean...finally you'll shoot a few of the #3 bullets bullets that basically hone the bore absolutely smooth, clean the bore and you are done.

I can't remember the manufacturer but I've read about them and saw Craig Boddington using them on a show one evening through NIB rifle with great results. He shot a test group of about 1-1/2" with normal ammo, went thru the break in bullets, cleaned the bore and shot another group with the regular stuff...the group shrunk to <3/4".

Tubb's Final Finish

[ScubaSteveXdm]

Brother just got a new daniel defense m4 ar , all we did was clp a swab down the barrel, wipe off and clp the bolt, and it was good to go. The out of box accuracy was great, we didn't even have to sight it in , was on target 50 and 100 yards ( IL is retarded, practically no ranges greater than 100 yrds ). All I have done for every firearm I have shot or owned was clean then run a couple hundred rounds through it.

[xdmikey]

thanks Steve. this subject has been on my mind for a while. i have a hand-rolled(lower)and upper that i've been hesitant(time is also a factor) to shoot until i got some answers on this as this is my first brand new rifle.