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New Rifle Break-in
justright58
Member Posts: 333 ✭✭✭
Good Day Forum,
I just took delivery on an Armalite AR10 A4 Carbine, 16" chrome-lined .308.
I've heard a few different scenarios of break in, but this is a new one to me: Use moly coated bullets instead of FMJ.
I've never shot moly stuff, so I'd have to buy a few boxes before going to the range Saturday. I'd planned to use factory Federal Gold Match 168 BTHP, one shot, brush then swab, one shot brush then swab for about the first 50.
I'd sure appreciate some input on this since it took a while to save those many Benjamins to get it.
Many Thanks !!!
John[8D]
I just took delivery on an Armalite AR10 A4 Carbine, 16" chrome-lined .308.
I've heard a few different scenarios of break in, but this is a new one to me: Use moly coated bullets instead of FMJ.
I've never shot moly stuff, so I'd have to buy a few boxes before going to the range Saturday. I'd planned to use factory Federal Gold Match 168 BTHP, one shot, brush then swab, one shot brush then swab for about the first 50.
I'd sure appreciate some input on this since it took a while to save those many Benjamins to get it.
Many Thanks !!!
John[8D]
Comments
Barrel break-in will not affect accuracy what it will effect is how much fouling you get in the barrel in essence what you are doing when you break a barrel in is polishing it.
I would not suggest using moly coated for break-in I would use the uncoated stuff
It is up to you but there is an opinion on it. Also if it has a scope on it use you break in shots to go ahead and dial your scope inso you can save barrel life[;)]
Congrats on your new rifle! [:D]
Our fine moderator Nononsense has a feel for breaking in barrels, as he does a lot of bench rest. I am sure if you e-mailed him, or if he sees this he will chime in. The guy is an absolute wealth of information, as is Bert H when it comes to Winchesters.
Thank you
Mike Straub
The purpose of the "shoot and clean-each shot, then for so many" is to knock down minute machine marks in the barrel. As csjs noted 'polishing' it. You are really wearing it in at this point not wearing it out. The more you knock down the high spots now the less they will remain and foul your barrel with copper down the road. Once flattened a bit they tend to pick up less copper and allow you to shoot longer without cleaning as much.
Two quick things to point out:
- Chrome lined barrels do not require or benefit from a break in like non-lined barrels do. Chrome lining is very hard and there is little effect from your break in efforts. The machining marks left in the barrel from manufacturing will not be smoothed out since they are coated with chrome. Armalite used to state that you should just shoot a chrome lined barrel 200 times without heating it up and give it a good cleaning. Then shoot and clean as necessary.
- Bullets that are moly coated are counterproductive to the process of barrel break in. It is an absolute waste of time, effort and money to attempt to break in a barrel using moly coated products. Moly reduces friction and you want to have friction in order to accomplish the least little bit of smoothing during the break in shooting. If you did use moly it would also add another layer of fouling that requires some different handling to get rid of when you do clean.
Go sight your rifle in and enjoy yourself.
Best.