Dub
Senior Member
I'm interested in hearing what have been successful practices for you regarding rifle barrel break-in.
I know some folks frown on the very mention of it.
Some, however, have prolonged steps they take and seem to believe they gain long term benefits throughout the life of the barrel.
I'm wanting to improve over what I've done in the past, but don't wish to get locked down by overly slow methods if they aren't productive.
Mostly, I've approached everything in the past in a hurried fashion....mainly just wanting to get a gun ready for deer season. New gun had initial pass with patch of Butch's and then some dry patches. Range session after bore sighting, obtain scope zero to 1.5" high at 100yd. Take it home, clean it well, back to the range for a second session to confirm zero.....then hunt with it...cleaning again at end of season. Rinse & repeat annually.
Now, I am more focused on the long term performance over the lifetime of the barrel.....and yes, I plan on shooting some of them to the point where they are worn out and will be replaced.
I'll now have more time and demonstrated patience, hopefully. After all it's taken me years to get back to shooting again....a slower start at this point won't hinder me.
The guns I'm currently working on are:
Each of these will have to be boresighted & optic zero'd. Can carry cleaning rods & gear to do it all during the sight in sessions.
Have rods, bore guides, jags, brushes & the following on hand:
I know some folks frown on the very mention of it.
Some, however, have prolonged steps they take and seem to believe they gain long term benefits throughout the life of the barrel.
I'm wanting to improve over what I've done in the past, but don't wish to get locked down by overly slow methods if they aren't productive.
Mostly, I've approached everything in the past in a hurried fashion....mainly just wanting to get a gun ready for deer season. New gun had initial pass with patch of Butch's and then some dry patches. Range session after bore sighting, obtain scope zero to 1.5" high at 100yd. Take it home, clean it well, back to the range for a second session to confirm zero.....then hunt with it...cleaning again at end of season. Rinse & repeat annually.
Now, I am more focused on the long term performance over the lifetime of the barrel.....and yes, I plan on shooting some of them to the point where they are worn out and will be replaced.
I'll now have more time and demonstrated patience, hopefully. After all it's taken me years to get back to shooting again....a slower start at this point won't hinder me.
The guns I'm currently working on are:
- AR15s
- AR10 being set up for mid-long range steel banging
- Bolt action hunting
- Bolt action target guns for mid-long range steel banging
- Bolt action rimfire for precision shooting
Each of these will have to be boresighted & optic zero'd. Can carry cleaning rods & gear to do it all during the sight in sessions.
Have rods, bore guides, jags, brushes & the following on hand:
- Kroil
- Gibbs
- Ballistol
- Montana Extreme (@Jester896 pointed me in that direction )
- Butch's Bore Shine
- Hoppe's
- BoreTech Rimfire