A question on breaking in a new barrel

[Ullr]

I just got a new 45 Colt revolver and have a question on this break in process.  Since I’ve read a fair amount on breaking in a new barrel I have running a patch with bore cleaner followed by a dry one between the first few shot then every 5-10 after that for a few.  I don’t really know if this has gained me anything, but I figure it can’t hurt.

I under stand the idea is to clean the barrel between shots so that each bullet is rubbing on the barrel and not on the build up from previous shots.  This way the barrel will get “polished” evenly and more quickly.  I have also heard that this will help reduce lead fouling by first using this process to break in the barrel with jacketed bullets.  This is where my question comes in.

Dose anyone have experience with this process, specifically reducing lead fouling?  I have plenty of rounds that are loaded with cast bullets for this gun, but don’t have any jacketed ones.  Can I just use the cast rounds and still use the same process or will I have problems with lead building up in the new barrel?  How much longer will the break in process take with the cast verses jacketed?

I still have doubts about this whole break in process really having any benefit over just going out and shooting and cleaning after each session.

[Mikey]

Ullr:  I have had the pleasure of breaking in a few custom barrels on some of my rifles, and also a few on some pistols.  For some strange reason, I follow the barrel makers recommendations for breaking in the barrel, much as you have done but, I don't do that with my pistol barrels and don't know why.  All of my custom pistol barrels come from Bar-Sto or Ed Brown, yet none have ever come with 'break-in' instructions, advice or even general guidance.  The rifle barrels come with their own recommendations and I follow them.  

I'm not certain if it has to do with the longer length of the rifle barrel or the heat that builds up more quickly than in a pistol barrel, or whut....but, that's the way it has been for me.

With my pistol barrels, I clean them before use and then I head for the range with a couple of hundred loads, shootem up and clean up afterwards.  It has always worked for me.  Hope this helps.  Mikey.

[Bullseye]

I guess I have never bought an expensive enough gun or barrel, because mine have never came with any break in instructions.  I clean it, shoot it as much as I like, clean it again just like Mikey.

Only difference is I do it with rifles or pistols.  Based on how my Contenders and long guns shoot, I cannot see where it hurt the barrels unless all the shots would be in one hole after break in.