Breaking in barrel of new Tikka T3 Lite

W

Wendyj

New member
Read some articles of breaking new barrels in. This is first new gun in a long time. Swapped out Remington sps for it in same 308 caliber since that's what I'm reloading. Not really understanding how long or what process to break in new stainless rifle. Going to clean good and get all packing grease and lube out and unsure of where to go to from there.
 
You'll get plenty of opinions. The truth is that I don't think anybody knows for sure that it's a good idea or not. One thing that I don't think anybody can argue with is that a barrel break in procedure won't cause any harm, so do it if ya feel like it.

It's a Tikka, so it'll shoot good if you do a break in or if you don't. And either way you will never know if you should've or not.
 
I guess I'm asking how to break one in. Not really sure how to do it. I agree with the Tikka. It should shoot like a champ out of the box. Researching some loads for 165 gr. nosler bt. Not going to max but looking for accuracy.
 
Many experts will tell you that barrel break-in is a myth and doesn't do anything for accuracy; all it does is wear the barrel out a little faster. And of the people who swear it works, no two of them can seem to agree on how to do it.

So considering there are tons of different break-in procedures out there and there's no good evidence that it does anything anyway, just do whatever procedure that comes to mind and makes you feel good.
 
I did a quick "break-in" on my T3 in 300 WSM by cleaning after each shot for the first 3 shots, then I cleaned after each loading group when handloading for my hunting load. Don't know if it made any difference, but my hunting load with Hornady 165 gr Interbonds consistently places 3 shots in 3/8" groups.
 
Just cleaned it to get packing grease out. Actually pretty dirty for new rifle in box. Guess I'll go to the range and possibly run bore snake through it every five shots or so for 15 rounds or so. Then clean it when it's dirty. Seems to help 7 mag cool off a bit quicker running dry bore snake through it. I've never had much accuracy with just cleaned rifle. Even during hunting season after setting up cleaned I fire a couple of fouling shots at home before hitting the woods.
 
Man, this no fun. Where are all the 'barrel break-in' guys to defend their beliefs?

Personally I think you should clean the bore and shoot the rifle. Clean as necessary.
 
Hit it with a rock and you are good to go, LOL.

I took a Barret long range riflery class a few years ago and the guy's response to this query was great.

You break in the barrel with every shot and you keep breaking it in until you wear it out. The barrel changes with every shot and always will.
 
I have found if I sacrifice a live chicken to the rifle barrel gods, I get the same results as doing a barrel break in.
 
OP I had the same question as you did a few years back. I called Beretta (they import Tikka's) and the gunsmith I talked to said quote "shoot it and when your done shooting clean it" I just shot it like I normally would, but I kept the barrel cool and didn't heat it up too much and its a 1/2 MOA gun anytime I shoot it w/ my handloads.
 
When my turk mauser came back with it's new Douglas Premium XX barrel on it I called Douglas and talked to one of the bosses, and he told me to shoot one and clean bore,and do that the first five, then shoot five and clean, then ten and clean then use JB's borepaste thoroughly by the instructions.
I also zeroed my scope and tested three bullets while doing that process....it shoots lights out for shore, but who knows if it was necessary....I say it does shoot very nicely.
 
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