Let’s face it: getting a new rifle or a new rifle barrel doesn’t happen very often. And barrels are expensive. So when you finally decide on the rifle and caliber of your choice, a few simple steps should be taken to ensure you and your rifle will have many great years together. Some people might say you don’t need to break in a new rifle barrel, and others will say it’s a must-do procedure. In my opinion, it can’t hurt to break in a new barrel. I'm also reminded of a quote from Col. Townsend Whelen, "Only accurate rifles are interesting." That furthers my drive to ensure I do what I can to have a repeatable rifle.

I’ve read a lot of things on this subject (mostly during the random years when I decided to pick up a new gun) and it seems that most people will agree that a rifle break-in period is a good thing. Each time you do this, understand that this isn’t a hurry-up; shoot several rounds and call it good. If I’m breaking in a new rifle barrel, I like to get to my shooting area very early in the morning and prepare for at least 25-30 shots and possibly several hours of your time.

What items do you need when breaking in a new barrel?

What's the purpose of breaking in a new barrel?

Basically, the process of breaking in a new barrel is essentially just conditioning the barrel to smooth everything out (remove small burrs). Some barrel materials may take more rounds, others might not need much at all. Keep in mind that you don't want to burn your barrel up in this process. Rifle barrels don't last forever, so like I mention at the end of this article, if your rifle shoots great using half the steps, then call it good.

Note: It's always best to check with your barrel manufacturer about what they recommend for barrel break-in. If that information isn't available anywhere on their website or in any paperwork you received when you purchased the rifle or barrel, give them a call.

Steps to break in a new rifle barrel

Step 1

After getting set up at your shooting location, take one shot and then go through your preferred method for cleaning a rifle barrel.

You don’t need a thorough deep clean here, but you can follow a simple process for cleaning your rifle barrel here. At this stage, don’t really worry about where you’re hitting. I like to place a target at close range for this process, just for something to aim at. But, to save some time while this barrel break-in process is going on, I’ll also make some small adjustments to my scope so I’m hitting paper.

Step 2

Repeat step one for the first ten shots through your barrel. This process will take you a while because you’re cleaning your rifle between each shot. Also, cleaning your rifle between each shot allows your barrel to cool down. Depending on the size of your barrel, the cooling time can vary. I like to wait at least 5 to 10 minutes, but sometimes I will wait a full 20 minutes for a true cold bore shot (a true cold bore shot isn't really needed in this stage).

Step 3

Next, shoot a three-round group and then clean your barrel. Again, don’t worry about where your bullets are hitting.

You will do this step for a total of fifteen rounds, so you will repeat the three shots and clean for a total of five sessions.

Step 4

Finally, you’ll want to shoot five rounds and then clean your barrel. After you’ve cleaned the barrel, you’ll want to take a foul shot.

Step 5

Now you can shoot three rounds to test for accuracy if you want, or call it day. From here on out, your rifle is now ready to handle anything you throw at it.

Now to throw you a curve...

Let’s say you take out a new rifle and shoot your first few rounds through the barrel, and your shots are all sub MOA or MOA accurate. You take several more shots, and they are still grouping perfectly. In this situation, you can probably just stop right there. Every barrel has different life expectancies, so after figuring out that your new rifle shoots great, it might be best to spend the rest of your time at a later date testing loads and sighting in your rifle.

The one thing that I will say is I don't do a set break in anymore. Haven't for years. I'll shoot 2 rounds thru the barrel and clean it. If it cleans easy/not getting a lot of fouling out of it. I'll sit down and shoot say 20 - 30 or so rounds thru it and clean it again. Don't run it hard right away. Go easy on it. If those 20 or so rounds the accuracy is consistent and again the barrel is cleaning decent... I don't waste my time on it after that.

In conclusion

Here's a summary of the steps:

People might be on the fence about whether a barrel break-in process is necessary, but I lean toward the side of caution and will gladly spend the time slowly shooting a new rifle that I want to get plenty of years out of.

Repeat for ten shots.

Repeat for 15 shots.

Take a foul shot.