Tikka T3 barrel break-in

[bpk1982]

Just wondering what method you tikka shooters have been using to break in your barrels...it says right in the owners manual not to "scrub" the barrel and to use only patches...I took this to mean do not use a brush in the barrel...thanks for any input!

[catnthehat]

hoot, clean and shoot again - and again, and again!
Seriously though, when I" break in" a rifle, the thing comes out of the action right off to make sure there is no oil in the bed, and the bolt is checked for excess oil.
Then it goes back together and I zero the rifle and check the group size.
I run about 5 then check it for fouling with Amzoil then Wipeout.
if the groups do not open up in say 5, 5shot groups, I don't worry about it.
if they do then I start checking stuff.
Cat

[Ormachek]

When I get a new gun I clean it. Then I shoot it. That's all.

[bpk1982]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

hoot, clean and shoot again - and again, and again!
Seriously though, when I" break in" a rifle, the thing comes out of the action right off to make sure there is no oil in the bed, and the bolt is checked for excess oil.
Then it goes back together and I zero the rifle and check the group size.
I run about 5 then check it for fouling with Amzoil then Wipeout.
if the groups do not open up in say 5, 5shot groups, I don't worry about it.
if they do then I start checking stuff.
Cat

Cat, when you are shooting from a bench for 100yard group size, do you allow the barrel to cool in between shots? or maybe only between groups? I have heard that groups will open up if shooting too hot...

[catnthehat]

Some will, some won't, it all depends on the individual rifle.
Oh, and DON'T FORGET to clean it BEFORE you start shooting!!
There can be all kinds of crap found in rifle barrels fro the factory!
Cat

[elkhunter11]

I start by cleaning the barrel, checking the bedding for oil, then torque the action crews. I shoot a group, then let the barrel cool between groups. Do not use multi piece cleaning rods, and be sure that you don't let copper build up.