New rifle sighting in question

[Loner]

I just got my new rifle in and bore sighted w/ new scope. When sighting in on the range how long should I wait between shots for the barrel to cool? Just go by feel? Any other advice on sighting in a new rifle is appreciated.

Thanks,

Loner

[Red Rabbit]

Loner,

 

That might depend on barrel contour and chambering.

I would figure that 3 shots would be fine before cooling is needed, and I try to wait 1 minute between shots. You can do some dry firing on an empty chamber to work on trigger feel during that minute. To help cool quickly after shooting 3-5 rounds, I have rubbed an ice cube along the barrel length, and then stood it up with the bolt open to allow air flow. I wait 5 minutes after the ice rub to allow some thermal equilibrium to happen in the barrel metal. While waiting the 5 minutes or more is a good chance to shoot another rifle or 22RF

 

Doug~RR

[Red Rabbit]

Bore sighting is often not accurate, so I would put the first target at 25 yards and adjust to hit the bull. Remember that you will need to make four 1/4" clicks to move the scope 1/4" at 25 yards. Then move the target out to 100 yards.

 

Also, I would give the barrel a good cleaning with a copper remover after 25 rounds. There are different theories on barrel break-in.

[TAM]

Keeping your barrel cool is a great way to get consistant groups. I always look at a clock and wait 5 minutes in between shots. I even have a couple of rifles with carbon wrapped barrels which aren't supposed to be impacted by barrel heat and I still wait five minutes. Wether you wait one minute like RR or ten minutes always try to be consistant in your shooting routine. I like to do what RR said and bring a couple different rifles to the range and rotate through them.

 

I always get a kick out of the guys at the range that rip off half a box of ammo of large magnum rounds in about two minutes and then complain that the gun won't shoot any better than 4 inch groups.

 

Don't forget to follow the manufacturers recomendations for the barrel break in period. You may notice that your rifle will pick up as many as 50 FPS after the first 50 or so rounds have been fired through it.

 

You should also try to do your range work during the cooler times of the year/day. Many of the powders on the market today are temperature sensitive and will shoot and group differently at various outside air temperatures.

 

Good luck!

 

RR, I've seen guys do the ice cube thing or a cool wet cloth, but I've never been able to get myself to do it. Not saying its wrong, just that in my mind guns and water aren't supposed to go together

[sjvcon]

Uh ... I think maybe you should google "barrel break in". Not enough people really do that, and it is definitely of benefit. There is a good report on http://www.rifle-accuracy-reports.com/barrel-break-in.html

 

And when it says 1 "Aw SH*T" wipes out all "At a Boy"s ... they ain't lyin'.

[EdD270]

I run a patch with solvent through the bore after every shot to help cool the barrel, and try to wait a couple minutes after that to shoot the next one. I never shoot more than three shot groups, as that's all I'll realistically get at game. After the third shot, I swab the bore with solvent and then oil, and let it sit for 10 minutes or so out of the sun with the action open, barrel vertical, to cool. I usually have another rifle with me to shoot while the first one cools.

Proper barrel break-in of a new rifle will do a lot to ensure many years of good shooting. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, and check out the websites already mentioned for more good advice.

[Red Rabbit]

For a custom barrel, I might consider break-in. But there is one barrel manufacturer, Shilen, though who says it's needless and puts up a procedure to apppease the customer.

 

http://www.shilen.com/faq.html#question10

 

From Hart Barrels FAQ http://www.hartbarrels.com/

.... What do you recommend for barrel break-in?

 

We do not believe that a break in procedure is required with our barrels. If you follow our normal cleaning procedure, outlined in this brochure, you should not have any problems with your new rifle. You always want to clean your rifle as often as your course of fire will allow. If you have time to shoot one and clean, that would be fine, but we personally do not feel it is necessary. Please be sure to only use the cleaning solvents listed in our cleaning instructions.

 

http://www.kriegerbarrels.com/RapidCat/cat...;CompanyId=1246

 

http://www.bartleinbarrels.com/BreakInCleaning.htm

 

A factory barrel will not likely have the inside polish/smoothness of a custom, and hence may foul more. For foulers and easier cleaning, one might consider Ultra Bore Coat (especially muzzleloaders)

http://www.ultracoatingsinc.com/ubc.aspx

 

Also, See the barrel mfg's cleaning instructions and the USE OF A GOOD BORE GUIDE.

 

For a factory, barrel, I would clean it well at first and go shoot like normal with no break-in. make sure the action and scope mount screws are tight. If the rifle is a shooter, I would clean it well to prep for Ultra Bore Coat and put that in the tube then shoot to cure the UBC. Sight in, Head to the hills and Enjoy.

 

Doug~RR

 

 

[Loner]

Thank you all very much for the info. This is my first new big game rifle and I want to treat it right. Thanks again.