Barrel Break In for a 204 Ruger

[stoutstuff]

I have an older Contender frame with a new 23" 204 Ruger barrel from Fox Ridge. Shot 12 rounds of 32 gr. Hornady V Max, cleaning the barrel with a bore snake every 3 shots. Sighting in at 50 Yds. the groups were 3" to 4". When I got home I cleaned with Sweets and it took a long time and many patches to get the bore clean. Lots of blue. Is this common? Any suggestions?
Thanks!

[Grumulkin]

Your experience sounds usual.  You're a bit more compulsive than I am though in the "breaking in" process.

My barrel cleaner of choice is KGM Systems Big Bore Cleaner.  I works as well or better than anything else I've tried, doesn't need to be "neutralized," doesn't smell bad (no ammonia) and is water based.  The solution is yellow and the removed copper is black though which takes a little getting used to.

[skb2706]

3 and 4 inch groups at 50 yds. No amount of barrel breakin will solve that problem. There is something wrong....very wrong. I bought a 23" factory .204 barrel for my son. The first five shots thru it measured .512" at 100 yds.

[encore3006]

Before passing judgment, shoot it again at 50 yards and see if there is any improvement from your cleaning.

[Davemuzz]

3" to 4" groups  at 50 yards with a 204....that's sounds like your shooting off hand with your eyes closed. I'm not saying your a bad shot, nor am I making fun of you. But I do agree that you should take it out again, perhaps try some different ammo. Maybe even give T\C a call before you do and tell them the problem. They will give you some ammo recommendations. Give that a try and see what you get.

But that caliber at 50 yards, you should pretty much be getting one ragged hole. (I am assuming you have a good quality scope)

Dave

[Keith L]

It could be the scope, or the mounts, or the mounting, or the rest.  Mine is spooky accurate.  If all else checks out then the barrel needs to go back.  Mine was gunky when new also.  I always clean a new barrel because I don't want shavings etc. going down with the first few shots,

[Chuck White]

When I got my Encore 204 Ruger barrel, I cleaned it really well.
Then from a good steady rest, I was able to shoot 3/8 inch groups with Hornady factory 32grain V-Max's.

While shooting, I ran a Bore Snake through it after every 3 shots during my first shooting session

I'm in agreement with the rest of the replies here, If everything is good to go and you're still getting groups like you describe, then the barrel must go back to TC.

[stoutstuff]

I'll try it again with the cleaning done. Pretty much everything is new except the frame. Mueller 4X16X50 Tactical for the glass on Warne mounts and Gunstocks Inc. laminated wood. Let you all know how it pans out. Thanks for the advice.

[sweetwyominghome]

Make certain your chamber is completely dry. Any lube will result in pressure spikes and erratic accuracy.

Alcohol on a swab will do the trick, but so will other products such as acetone.

[stoutstuff]

Well... shot 6 rounds through the Contender after the cleaning and its still stringing shots. Noticed that the forend was resting on the barrel in the front and on the frame on the back right. Got the dremmel out and took care of that so the barrel is floated. Cleaned the bore again and still cant believe how many patches (24 with sweets) it took to finally draw clean. Will shoot it again and see. Next check will be the scope, mounts and base. This must be the fun of converting your handgun to a custom carbine - huh!

[stoutstuff]

Here's the end of the tale. Tried different scopes and all stringed shots so I boxed the barrel up and shipped her back to TC Custom shop. They confirmed it stringed also. Lapped, re-crowned it, shot it and sent it back to me. I took it out yesterday and shot 1/2" moa @ 100 yds. with Hornady V Max 40 gr. factory loads. This was a frustrating experience but TC Custom made it right in a timely fashion.

[Davemuzz]

Glad it worked out for you. T\C stands behind their product!

Dave