View Full Version : Barrel Break - In
Ok I have seen many differant methods listed on ar15com about how to break in an AR barrel. Lets see what GTrs say. I am going to be getting a RRA AR with a 16inch Chrome-Moly barrel that is NOT chrome lined. What would be the best way to break it in (Speak from experience please) Also, how many rounds can I expect this barrel to last.
Sorry about all the noob questions but we have to get them out of the way with this new forum before we can tell people to do a search;f
Traintrackker
02-07-2004, 01:17
I emailed the same question to RRA and this is what they replied,
"Some of our rifles are available with chrome lined bores, however most do not have them. We have found that better accuracy can be achieved with our chrome-moly barrels. Our barrels are designed to not require special break in procedure, however if you wish use a break in method, that is fine. For those who wish to do so, you can fire three rounds and clean your bore. You can do this three times, and should be adequate."
Hope this will assist you...traintrackker
mindonmatter
02-07-2004, 01:22
Well, some will disagree. I won't say they're right or wrong, but I said NO to barrel break in. I have never seen anyone say, "wow, I really regret not breaking in my barrel". And everyone I've seen and heard talk about barrel break in, says that the diffenence in shot groups, from a broken in barrel, compared to a non-broken in barrel would have to be measured with a micrometer. Last but not least, read this link(discussion from 1999)...it's what really convinced me not to break in my barrel. Pay attention to the second post: http://www.snipercountry.com/Articles/Barrel_BreakIn.htm
I have the same exact barrel you're thinking of getting, and now have 500 rounds through it. I asked RRA and ADCO about break-in, and they said it's not needed. I think it broke itself in just by shooting it ;) I cleaned it every range session(60-200 rounds per session). It's more accurate than I am, and more accurate than I expected. If I had a stainless match barrel and wanted to put all my rounds through one hole at 300 yards, I'd probably consider taking the time/trouble to break it in.
As far as barrel life, I couldn't give an exact answer. But I doubt you'll notice any loss of accuracy until you get to at LEAST the 10,000 round mark....probably more.
nipperwolf
02-07-2004, 04:26
from Bushmaster's site;
"What is the proper "break-in" procedure for a chrome lined AR barrel?"
"After firing a couple hundred rounds, the chrome lining will "polish out" from its light, flat gray, factory-new look to a brightly reflective, polished appearance. During this break-in period, excessive cleaning with solvent or brush should be avoided as that will only prolong the time (and number of rounds) it takes to achieve the final "bullet polishing" of the barrel. "
I have always been told that chrome lined barrels do not need breaking in.
I have been hunting and around hunters all my life and barrel break in is just not something we have ever done. I know some benchrest types who break in barrels, but they only shoot a few rounds before cleaning the bore anyway on a normal day.
I have and have had bolt guns that shoot ragged holes at 100 yards and have never gone through any type of break in process. My Remington Model Seven in 7mm-08 shoots 1/2 or better at 100 yards. The day I got it, I shot a 3 shot group at 75 yards into a paper plate on the side of a freezer from a kneeling position. My buddy covered up the group with a quarter. On a side note, those three shots went through the freezer, through another freezer behind it and lodged into an oak tree. Hehe, pretty neat for a little gun using a little bullet.
Anyway, I don't think normal people need to mess with barrel break in. And unless you are placing in some form of accuracy competitions with your rifle, you are normal.
My opinion.
WalterGA
02-07-2004, 17:33
O.K., Illiterate Ones, he plainly said that he's not shooting a chrome-lined bore! What RRA is telling you, in a very nice way, is that barrel break-in for non-chrome-lined barrels is b.s. That's also the opinion of the late Gale McMillan, who was making match barrels while other barrel makers were still making mustard in their diapers.
I haven't ever done anything special to "break in" a barrel
I won't ever do anything special to "break in" a barrel
it's all BS, no matter what you have.
redwinger
02-07-2004, 18:20
10-4, g23adam!
Done quite a bit of long range (1000 yard) benchrest. I have tried both prescribed break-in and no break-in on stainless match barrels. They were not pre-lapped. No difference at all on paper.
Rather it is necessary or not on a non-chrome lined AR barrel I normally clean after every three rounds while sighting it in. Usually do this for the first 20-30 rounds. Seems like it just makes the barrel easier to clean from that point on. I have no idea rather or not this helps with accuracy.
coverdog
02-08-2004, 17:47
Originally posted by WalterGA
O.K., Illiterate Ones, he plainly said that he's not shooting a chrome-lined bore! What RRA is telling you, in a very nice way, is that barrel break-in for non-chrome-lined barrels is b.s. That's also the opinion of the late Gale McMillan, who was making match barrels while other barrel makers were still making mustard in their diapers.
Walter, I must say you have a way with words.;f
Wolfgang
02-08-2004, 19:52
Bushmaster says:
Non-Chrome Barrel Breaking in procedure
A new barrel will shoot best if careful attention is given to proper break-in. Differing opinions exist as to what constitutes proper break-in, however, we recommend that no more than 20 rounds be fired at one time before cleaning the barrel - for the first 60 rounds. Each time the barrel is cleaned for the first 120 rounds, it must be thoroughly cleaned, removing all traces of copper and fouling. Recommended procedure for thorough cleaning: In all cases it is vital that cleaning tools (brushes, patches, etc.) be pushed from the breech toward the muzzle and then removed from the rod at the muzzle end. DO NOT drag anything back through the muzzle. Clean the bore with a good bore cleaner. Decopper the bore with a copper solvent. Clean the bore again with JB Bore Cleaner paste as follows; 1. Work the JB paste into a new patch. 2. Wrap the patch around a worn bore brush. 3. Push it through the bore for ten strokes. Replace the patch every five strokes. 4. Run a dry patch then an oil patch if storing the rifle. After the barrel is broken in , clean the bore immediately after each shooting session. Decopper the barrel every 300-400 rounds. Clean the bore every 1,000 rounds with JB Bore Cleaner.
***The first time I shot mine, I shot 40 rounds through it. I then cleaned it as suggested. Haven't shot it since, but I hope to soon. When I do I will shoot either 20 or 40 more rounds through it, then clean it.
From all I gather, it probably doesn't matter much how you do it. Of course should you have a complaint and call (Bushmaster, for example) they might want to know your break-in procedure. They might contend that any problems might be due to improper break-in. ***
mindonmatter
02-08-2004, 20:05
This is directed to anyone that practices and believes in barrel break-in.
What is the difference between a barrel that was broken-in, and one that wasn't? And I'd like to know what the advantages are that you've experienced, not advantages you've heard or read about. And have you ever not broke-in a barrel and said to yourself....."damn, I really regret not breaking this barrel in"?
Well since I'm not going to be trying to put all the rounds into one hole on the target I think I will break it in as follows: Shoot some ammo go home clean, repeat each time I go to the range.....Wait thats how I do all my guns;f
mindonmatter
02-08-2004, 20:54
Originally posted by elfjr
Well since I'm not going to be trying to put all the rounds into one hole on the target I think I will break it in as follows: Shoot some ammo go home clean, repeat each time I go to the range.....Wait thats how I do all my guns;f
Worked for me :)
One thing I would do though. Clean it before you shoot it the first time to get any metal shavings out of the barrel and receiver.
When are you getting it?
Originally posted by mindonmatter
Worked for me :)
One thing I would do though. Clean it before you shoot it the first time to get any metal shavings out of the barrel and receiver.
When are you getting it? Yeah I forgot to list that step, but I plan on cleaing before firing. I'm going to be getting it just as soon as I get my taxes back. The IRS website says I should have it no later than March 9. Then I just have to give my ffl the money (waiting on a price quote now) and wait on his call that its in. I can't wait.
mindonmatter
02-08-2004, 23:47
Congrats. You'll love it. I love shooting my AR more than any gun I've ever shot....but I guess a person's newest gun is always their favorite. I'm getting a 1911 in the next month or two, but I have a feeling the AR will always be one of my favorites.
Please don't mention 1911's until after I make my purchase;) This purchase was a toss up between a 1911 and an AR.;f I'm pretty dead set on the AR and have been avoiding the 1911 club so I wont be tempted to change my mind. The 1911 is next on my list.
mindonmatter
02-09-2004, 00:51
I know what you mean. I try my hardest not to look forward to my next purchase until I can actually afford it, but I can't help myself. Luckily, I've talked myself out of going with the tricked out $1000+ type of 1911. I think I'm going to get the Springfield Mil-Spec(around $450) and slowly build it up how I want it.
Originally posted by mindonmatter
I know what you mean. I try my hardest not to look forward to my next purchase until I can actually afford it, but I can't help myself. Luckily, I've talked myself out of going with the tricked out $1000+ type of 1911. I think I'm going to get the Springfield Mil-Spec(around $450) and slowly build it up how I want it. Thats the same route I have decided to take. The kimbers and such are just too much to hand over all at once. My 1911 will not be a carry gun (thats what my glock if for. So there is no reason imo to spend that much money all at once when I can have the same thing over time and get the enjoyment of putting stuff on it.;c
Originally posted by mindonmatter
As far as barrel life, I couldn't give an exact answer. But I doubt you'll notice any loss of accuracy until you get to at LEAST the 10,000 round mark....probably more.
Not trying to start afight, but if a Glock barrel will last at least 180,000 + rounds, per the 2004 annual, ie. tourcher test. Why cant I expect the same from an AR barrel, chrome lined or not?
Originally posted by WalterGA
O.K., Illiterate Ones, he plainly said that he's not shooting a chrome-lined bore! What RRA is telling you, in a very nice way, is that barrel break-in for non-chrome-lined barrels is b.s. That's also the opinion of the late Gale McMillan, who was making match barrels while other barrel makers were still making mustard in their diapers.
EEwwwww he seid "mustard" gross
Originally posted by elfjr
Yeah I forgot to list that step, but I plan on cleaing before firing. I'm going to be getting it just as soon as I get my taxes back. The IRS website says I should have it no later than March 9. Then I just have to give my ffl the money (waiting on a price quote now) and wait on his call that its in. I can't wait.
Me too, but Im March 2nd. and gun show March 6-7 th. Im planning to buy a rifle, maybe also a lower stripped and a complete upper, (2 AR's in one day!!!) a couple thousand rounds and about 10 or twenty mags. God I cant wait. First time I will have to make two trips to the car at a gun show..... ;+ ^5 ~2
mindonmatter
02-22-2004, 09:47
Originally posted by Lumpy_3
Not trying to start afight, but if a Glock barrel will last at least 180,000 + rounds, per the 2004 annual, ie. tourcher test. Why cant I expect the same from an AR barrel, chrome lined or not?
Are you getting 3000+ FPS out of your Glock? If so, please fill me in on how you're doing it. You're comparing apples to bricks.
A barrel will last practically forever, but your accuracy will start to fail at some point. And that number was given to me by RRA. They said chrome lined barrels will be accurate to 20,000+ rounds, and none chrome lined anywhere from 10,000-15,000 rounds. All dependent upon your cleaning routine and choice of ammo, of course.
Originally posted by mindonmatter
Are you getting 3000+ FPS out of your Glock? If so, please fill me in on how you're doing it. You're comparing apples to bricks.
A barrel will last practically forever, but your accuracy will start to fail at some point. And that number was given to me by RRA. They said chrome lined barrels will be accurate to 20,000+ rounds, and none chrome lined anywhere from 10,000-15,000 rounds. All dependent upon your cleaning routine and choice of ammo, of course.
That makes sense to me thanks.
WalterGA
02-22-2004, 10:39
Per what "mind" said, plus Glocks have tenifer-treated barrels. Tenifer is harder than any bore on any rifle that you're likely to be shooting.
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