Haven't read the entire thread, because I am too lazy, but some semi-prominent shooters such as Jake Vibbert, John Pynch, and Scott Satterlee have mentioned barrels "speeding up" during break in. IIRC, they seem to agree that the barrels settle at 200 rounds or less. That's what I recall them saying but I could be wrong.
Maybe confirmation bias, but in my own personal experience, most of my factory rifles "settled" after 80 - 100 rounds with my handloads. That includes several Tikkas. My current 700 seemed to be similar, but with factory ammo from the same lot. That said, I have never taken detailed notes, but I have seen higher velocities as round count increases for several rifles.
In the end, it probably doesn't matter for most hunters. That is my guess.
Last edited by 4th_point; 05/07/21.
