Barrel Break in???

[Hammo8090]

Hi Guys,

First post here & I am new to the sport of shooting. I have recently purchased a Howa Mini Action .223 & a .22LR which I'll be using for the first time in 2 weeks but wanted to know if I need to follow any barrel break in procedures for either rifle. There seems to be mixed info on the net & I have asked a couple of shooters I know & they said no need to.

Any advice would be great.

[chrispy88]

Bit of a controversial one but my view is it doesn't hurt so why not do it.

Different blokes will have different ways of doing it but mine is (for centrefires) : clean it thoroughly before first firing as the manufacturers put a ****** of grease in the bore to protect it; fire 3 shots; clean again; fire 5 shots; clean again and then go for your life.

I believe not so critical in rimfires but again there will be those that disagree.

[southwest shooter]

Clean it then shoot , breaking in is a waste of time and ammo !

[on_one_wheel]

This is one of those topics that raises plenty of health debate.

For the .22lr I'd say no.
They don't suffer from fouling and the wax on the projectiles help to lubricate, clean and preserve the barrel .
Justgive the .22lr one initial clean and just focus on the exterior and bolt from then on.
It's been said that more .22 rifles have been worn out from cleaning than shooting.
I've only cleaned my .22lr barrel about 3 times in nearly 20 years, only because it's been wet, sandy or dusty.

Personally I like the idea of it for center fire rifles just in case it's beneficial.
For those who swear by it the techniques vary heaps.

It's my understanding that the theory behind it is to polish or smooth the barrel's finish to prevent galling therefore reducing pressure and copper foweling.

The part I don't like is actually doing it. That's lots of cleaning, which in itself can be damaging if not done correctly.

I'd be interested to hear from the folks who shoot competitively on their ideas and techniques.

[brett1868]

Hammo8090, Where will you be shooting in a couple weeks?
Barrel break in has been done to death many times on this forum and virtually everyone has a slightly different approach. Best advice is to check the manual and see if the manufacturer recommends any process, then follow it. The important thing is to not over heat the barrel in the initial shots, get it warm then allow to cool, repeat several times over a few sessions. Whilst the 223 is cooling, you can go for your life with the 22

[happyhunter]

Won't comment on the break in but clean the 22 after the days shooting. Contrary to what you read, the wax doesn't preserve the bore and they will eventually pit out if you don't clean them. I usually squirt a little Inox down the 22's bore at the end of the day and dry patch it out. You don't need to over do it.

[Shorti85]

Found this http://howa-rifles.co.uk/downloads/Howa ... cedure.pdf

[Wm.Traynor]

Contrary to what you read, the wax doesn't preserve the bore and they will eventually pit out if you don't clean them..

Agree. My CZ had rust in the bore after being put away dirty.

[Atter]

After how long Wm?

[Wm.Traynor]

After how long Wm?

Could not possibly tell you, it's been so long since it happened. Living in the sub-tropics and only a few miles from the ocean is a "rust hazard". I don't take chances any more and all's well with my guns

[hughston]

i believe in keeping on top of copper fouling which will affect your accuracy and definitely clean after every shoot. I think with cheaper factory rifles, breaking in isn't that important but with high end barrel manufacturers like lilja or krieger etc on custom target rifles you should follow manufacturers break in procedure but there usually 5k + rifles. Get your self some sweets 7.62 copper solvent or that stuff that foams up and give it a good clean every 100 rounds or so & you'll have no problems lining up a polly.

[Lorgar]

Bit of a controversial one but my view is it doesn't hurt so why not do it.

Doesn't hurt, but... depending on how many rounds people think is the appropriate number to break it in though it can be a massive waste of time and cash (IMO).

If you want to put 20 rounds through it with a few cleans in between then whatever, no big deal. If it makes you feel comfortable have at it

Some guys reckon (and tell others) you need to put 300 or 400 rounds through before you can start using a rifle though

No thanks.