Barrel Break In???

Some people say it matters, others say it doesn't. Some only break in with moly coated bullets, others don't.

I have always been of the philosophy of: Why Not? There is no proof it is BAD for the rifle, so you might as well spend the time to do it.

I know some guys who shoot once, clean, shoot twice, clean, shoot thrice, clean, etc.

I normally break in to 25 rounds every 5 rounds.

It certanly does not hurt. I tend to use the recommendations from my rifle builder:

shoot 1 clean (for 5 rounds) shoot 2 clean (for 10 rounds), shoot 3 clean (for 9 rounds). Total of 24 rounds. At least 60 seconds gap between shots when shooting multiple shots before cleaning.


Hand-lapped custom barrels break-in faster and foul less (at least mine have). Non-custom barrels foul more, and require more break-in time, effort, and ammunition (so far for me). If in doubt keep shooting 3 and cleaning until copper accumulation virtaully stops (with my PSS this was about 40 rounds - when we finally stopped it was shooting 1/2 MOA and I was happy.