11-07-2011, 04:03 AM
I was in the same spot as you as I just took my new upper 6.5 out for a run. I asked my gunsmith and good friend about "break in" with a new rifle. I wanted to do everything right.
Well he tells me there is what some call the cardinal rule of breaking in a new barrel. Take one shot, clean the barrel repeat 5 times. Then shoot it 5 times and clean it yet again. others just shoot it 20 or more rounds clean it like any rifle. I just so happened to look through a older magazine and the same question was asked. You will hear about the first part because that's what your grandad a told your dad etc. They have never done actual scientific studies but for the most part if you are a target/ competitive shooter, whatever makes you feel better. Hunter, plinker shoot it and have fun!
Well he tells me there is what some call the cardinal rule of breaking in a new barrel. Take one shot, clean the barrel repeat 5 times. Then shoot it 5 times and clean it yet again. others just shoot it 20 or more rounds clean it like any rifle. I just so happened to look through a older magazine and the same question was asked. You will hear about the first part because that's what your grandad a told your dad etc. They have never done actual scientific studies but for the most part if you are a target/ competitive shooter, whatever makes you feel better. Hunter, plinker shoot it and have fun!