[Targetshoot308]

I am going to the range today to fire my first rounds through the gun.
I had a plan to do break in as 1 and clean 5 times, 3 and clean 5 times and then 5 and clean until no more copper fouling.
I have learned that some barrels need more "break-in" than others.
Should I be able to see the copper fouling with a bore light and my eye? Or do I follow the "break-in" procedure and look for the blue copper on my patches?
I don't want to use up 100 rounds before having some fun. I have a temp scope on the gun so when I get my scope I will post some pictures of "Bam Bam"
Your input would be apperciated.
I have shot a lot of pistols and 22/17HM2 and 30/30 but this is my first new big gun.
Thanks again

Randy
700P .308 "Bam Bam"
700P .223 "Pebbles"

 

[El Chorizo]

I don't think you can see the copper fouling unless there is tons of it. The best thing would be to look for the "blue" on the patches. For my break in on all my guns I use the "Tubb's Final Finish" lapping bullets.

http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0003181214206a.shtml

I've used it and follow the directions above... which is similar to the break in procedure you mention above.

My barrels are much easier to clean and are very very smooth. Which will greatly reduce future copper fouling. Also, when you are on the range, you will notice that your gun shoots consistently all day, as a smoother (lapped) bore will reduce carbon fouling as well!

I'm sold on them!

However, I would say you can fire you gun today and follow the procedure you outlined above, and then the "lapping" bullets at a later time. It might be good to see how the gun shoot before you do anything to it. In a sense, you will be accomplishing the same thing as the "lapping" bullets. I just think the "Tubb's Final Finish" will really get the job done.

I used a set of the Tubb's bullet on a new AR-15 upper I just recently purchased and then have had a number of range sessions with it and cleaned it like I normally would. Just out of curiosity, I wanted to see if I was getting all the copper out, so I ran some patches of Sweet's 7.62 and there was NO blue at all! However, I use using the Bore Tech Eliminator solvent so I was more currious to see if that was actually removing all the copper fouling. But I do know a smooth bore will really reduce copper fouling!

Hope that helps out some!

 

[Targetshoot308]

Well I put 36 rounds through the gun this evening.
I started with the 1 and clean and by the time I was on the 3rd cleaning I wasn't getting any blue on the patch.
I was letting the copper solvent soak for 5-10 minutes before swabing.
Then started on the 3 and clean and I didn't see much copper after the 2nd set of shots.
The last 6 rounds I shot in groups of 3 were 15/16" group each with Remington Core-Lokt 150 SP and a 4x32 scope @100 yards.
So not too bad. I just need my scope so I can see a dot @100 yards

 

[El Chorizo]

I would say that's good shooting for a 4 power scope! I think the worst part about getting a new gun is doing the intial break in. It takes a spit second to fire a shot then 20 mins to clean it! Oh well, it's worth it in the end I think.

What kind of scope are you going to get for it?

 

[Targetshoot308]

Yeah, it wasn't to bad letting the solvent soak. It was a peaceful trip to the range.
Normally I am trying to get as much shooting in as possible. Putting up fresh targets.
Trying this ammo that ammo. It is was a nice change to slow down.
The scope I have on order is a Millett LRS1. Supposed to recieve them next week sometime.
6-25 with 56mm non Illum.

 

[El Chorizo]

Wow 56mm! The biggest I have is a 50mm. Isn't Millet made by Bushnell or maybe Bushnell by Millet. Either way I thought I read they were related somehow.

I have a 6-24 on my AR-15, and I like that zoom range. I say you can never have enough zoom. I had people try and talk me out of getting that much zoom for my AR, but I said, "hey, just because it goes to 24x doesn't mean I'm going to keep it at that setting all the time..."

Oh well...

 

[Targetshoot308]

That scope also has a 35mm tube. I haven't heard of that either.
I did a search for 35mm rings and found some 34mm but no 35's.
It comes with a set. Good thing it does.
Yeah I expect to use the 16x to 20x area most.
If I were to do it again It may get done a little differently.
Live and learn. I have the confidence that Millett will get me good scopes.
Here is a link to the site-
http://www.millettsights.com/controller.php/cat09/lrs

 

[jerrschmitt]

With 140 min of elevation that might be a scope worth looking into. I just checked some on line reviews and it seems like a pretty good scope. I'd be interested to hear how it tracks out to 1000 yards.

 

[El Chorizo]

That's the first thing I though of also, "man that thing has to have a lot of adjustment...". Certainly worth looking into!