Breaking in first rifle barrel

[boferd]

Hello everyone,

Long-time reader, first time poster.   

I'm breaking in my first rifle barrel, a 223 handi.  I've carefully followed the FAQ instructions for 50 strokes of J&B , but am wondering if I've done it right, having no first or second hand experience in breaking in or cleaning a rifle barrel.  (My Remington 870 that I used to hunt geese with being a lot less particular about proper breaking in.  )

My first concern is that the aluminum adapter that connects the cleaning jag to the rod seems to pretty much fill the bore. Should I be worried about that?

Second, a 1" square patch folded through a slot jag doesn't seem like it fills up the bore well enough to work the J&B through it very well.  Is there some other way I should be working in the J&B?

Thanks,
Boferd

[necchi]

 It's about the proper tool's man. I frequently use 3 1" square cleaning patches in a slot jag and that's just normal cleaning. You want a snug fit, but not so much it get's stuck, just put 2 or more patches together and slip the corners in the slot and work it through till their even, however many it takes.
 I prefer to shoot my barrels for break in but understand that can be cost prohibitive, I have used the all cotton bore mops for polishing with compounds, it gave me the feel I wanted and I could just add more paste from time ta time, course the mop is trashed after the polishing job. That's my 2 bit's maybe other's will add.

[Mac11700]

I use the next caliber up size bore mop on mine and Flitz. Patches are ok,but I can use the mops several times,especially if I clean them good after each use.I also use a 1 piece stainless rod with a bore guide,the aluminum ones have a tendency to bend.After 50-100 strokes,I clean it completely then push a tight fitting patch down the bore and see if it hangs up any place,if it doesn't then I shoot them,if it does I flitz it more till it doesn't.You need to be careful at the leade area and the muzzle area when doing this making sure you are going straight in the leade and out at the muzzle. If I push the mop all the way out I will remove it and pull the rod back out with out it on the rod.I also clean the rod of any polish on it before putting it back thru.

Mac

[boferd]

Thanks guys!  I went back and used 3 patches and felt like it was doing much better work. Being new to this, I just didn't know what I was feeling for and didn't want to overdo it.

[Spanky]

It isn't necessary to "break in" the barrel. Just shoot it.



Spanky

[Doug B.]

It isn't necessary to "break in" the barrel. Just shoot it.

Spanky

A ton more fun than sitting in the basement with your cleaning rod!

[bikerbeans]

Hi Boferd,

I just picked up a new 223 handi 6 days ago.  I decided to go the shoot it to break it in approach.  Maybe we should compare results in a few months.

Bikerbeans

[Mac11700]

One of the reasons I do the flitz break-in prior to shooting is it aids in cleaning as well.I've had several rifles not only Handi's that benefited from doing this. Plus with the high cost of factory ammo and components it is cheaper in the long run to do this,than just burning ammo for the sake of burning ammo.. While it is a whole heck of a lot more fun to just go shoot them,a little elbow grease first does pays off. I know guys who rarely clean their barrels and are more than happy with their results,but I have never been one to do that.I've always been trying different loads and bullets with a new rifle and want to make a accurate assessment of the loads and rifles capability. I really can't do that with a rough bore,as most of my Handi's have from the factory.But..that's just me..your mileage may vary..

Good Luck

Mac

[dpe.ahoy]

I never been one to start wearin a barrel out before I even put a round thru it.  Thats what rocks, dirt clods and cow pies are made for .  'Sides, the extra practice is good fer a fella.    DP

[petemi]

This is old, tired, lazy Pete...I don't clean em, I shoot em.  I think a few fast bullets down that bore will do more than your cleaning rod; and have more fun doing it.  JMHO.

Pete

[gendoc]

run a lil bore-butter thru her a few times.... let stand fer a couple hours, then jag a dry patch
then bout ever 5 rounds butter her again..  conditioning the barrel is what i do.
shoot it to break it in.  others here have different ways, they all are prolly jus fine.
you done gud !!!

[boferd]

Thanks everyone for the advice.  It's all shooting from here on out... was just trying to make my first trip to the range more about shooting than scrubbing between shots.

If this doesn't work, I'll try DP's method.