How should I break-in my new Shilen barrel?
Break-in procedures are as diverse as cleaning techniques. Shilen, Inc. introduced a break-in procedure mostly because customers seemed to think that we should have one. By and large, we don't think breaking-in a new barrel is a big deal. All our stainless steel barrels have been hand lapped as part of their production, as well as any chrome moly barrel we install. Hand lapping a barrel polishes the interior of the barrel and eliminates sharp edges or burrs that could cause jacket deformity. This, in fact, is what you are doing when you break-in a new barrel through firing and cleaning.
Here is our standard recommendation: Clean after each shot for the first 5 shots. The remainder of the break-in is to clean every 5 shots for the next 50 shots. During this time, don't just shoot bullets down the barrel during this 50 shot procedure. This is a great time to begin load development. Zero the scope over the first 5 shots, and start shooting for accuracy with 5-shot groups for the next 50 shots. Same thing applies to fire forming cases for improved or wildcat cartridges. Just firing rounds down a barrel to form brass without any regard to their accuracy is a mistake. It is a waste of time and barrel life.
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Proof
Barrel break-in is performed in order to smooth out any
micro-roughness in the bore that may occur after initial projectiles
leave an uneven, and possibly excessive, distribution of copper
in the bore, which is why it is sometimes necessary to use
copper solvent. However, it’s not necessary to remove every
trace of copper. Don’t overthink barrel break-in.
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Hawk Hill
The following steps are our suggested procedure for breaking in your new barrel.

1. Shoot 5 individual shots, cleaning after each shot by running a patch wet with solvent till clean. Use a quality solvent.

2. Fire a 3-shot group cleaning after third shot. Repeat this 3-shot/cleaning process two more times.

-This should have your Hawk Hill barrel broke in well. If you need further instructions or have any questions please contact us.
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BENCHMARK BARRELS

Recommended Barrel Break-in Procedure:
-Shoot and clean after each shot for 8 rounds - clean with a proven copper solvent*
-After the first 8 rounds, clean after every 3-5 shot group for 4 groups - clean with a proven copper solvent*
-Follow your normal cleaning regimen after the break-in process.
* We find Bore Tech Eliminator to be an excellent choice, but most copper solvents are sufficient. FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE FOR USE OF THEIR PRODUCT!!
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Pac-Nor
For best results, of course, it is necessary to 'season' it and use proper cleaning equipment. We like the Dewey coated rods, a good bore guide, copper/bronze brushes and cotton flannel patches, the appropriate size to keep that jag and rod in the middle of the bore. You will need a good bore solvent, like KG 3, Shooters Choice or CR-10 to loosen the fouling, followed by a scrubbing with Holland's Witches Brew or KG 2. After cleaning, nullify the solvents with rubbing alcohol and patch dry. Finish with Tetra Gun Oil, KG 4 or Holland's Bbl Break-in Fluid. Never shoot a dry bore as this will greatly promote copper fouling.

Chris recommends:
Shoot one, clean, for first ten rounds; shoot three, clean, for next thirty rounds; shoot five, clean, while working up load. Allow bbl to cool to the touch before testing a new load to avoid unnecessary throat erosion.

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That about cover it?
dave

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