How to Break in a Rifle Barrel

Larry Potterfield • July 18, 2023
Guns Gunsmithing Shooting

If you've got a new rifle, properly breaking in the barrel can improve the accuracy and make it easier to clean. Hi, I'm Larry Potterfield with MidwayUSA. Step out the range with me, we'll see how this is done.

The first step before firing any new rifle is to clean the bore. In addition to a cleaning rod, you'll need a brass bore brush, jag, cleaning solvent, and some tight-fitting cotton patches.

Using a bore guide to protect the bore, start by running the brush down the bore. Followed by a patch with a little solvent. A dry patch finishes the job.

Image relating to How to Break in a Rifle Barrel

Once you've cleaned the bore you're ready to take your first shot. Now clean the bore again using the same process. Let the barrel cool and fire another shot.

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Repeat this process of cleaning after each shot for a total of five shots. The rest of the break in process is done shooting five shot groups, cleaning after each group, until you've shot 50 rounds.

Image relating to How to Break in a Rifle Barrel

So that's one more variable in rifle accuracy, properly breaking in the barrel.

--Larry Potterfield

Related Products

  1. Tipton Deluxe 1-Piece Gun Cleaning Rod 22 to 26 Caliber 36" Carbon Fiber 8 x 32 Thread $40.39
  2. Tipton Best Rifle Bore Brush 22 Caliber 8 x 32 Thread Bronze 3PK $7.49
  3. Tipton Rifle Cleaning Jag 22 Caliber 8 x 32 Thread Brass $3.59
  4. MidwayUSA Gun Cleaning Patches 22 to 26 Caliber Square Cotton 100PK $3.29
  5. Possum Hollow Bore Guide #2 Browning A-Bolt, Remington, Ruger, Springfield, Winchester, Savage Bolt Action $19.09

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Larry Potterfield

Larry Potterfield is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of MidwayUSA. He and his wife Brenda, both country kids from Missouri, turned their passion for shooting sports into a career by opening a small gun shop in 1977 that would eventually become the industry-leading internet retailer it is today. For over 45 years, MidwayUSA has maintained an unyielding focus on Customer Satisfaction and continues to offer JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING® for Shooting, Hunting and the Outdoors.

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