Breaking in a new Rifle

[Elk Hunter]

Just got my Lyman 54cal Deer Stalker and I need to know how to properly break in the barrel. I need to know what to do from the start to finish, even how to clean it the right way. Thanks for your help.

[Snowshoe]

First make sure that you get all the packing grease out of the barrel. Lyman uses some mean stuff. I use a mix of Balistol, Murphys oil soap and water with a touch of castor oil for cleaning after the initial flush with hot soapy water. I also use the mix for a patch lube.

[Elk Hunter]

Thank you Snowshoe I will use your way to clean the rifle.  I do have a question for you. How does one figure out the ball diameter and patch thickness I have a 54cal? On the patches I always use pre lubed ones on my CVA 50cal hawken.  I got the rifle used and use the balls and patches that came with it. Is it worth it to make your own patches and then lube then? Thanks for your help.

[Will Bison]

For ball/patch combo, try .530 ball and .015 patch. That generally gets you close in a .54.

Clean well as suggested and then get a few hundred rounds through the gun prior to making any major adjustments. I normally start a gun of that size with about 60 grs BP and then work up. Round balls are very forgiving about twist rate so you should see some accuracy potential right away.

Soap and water will do a fine job of cleaning. Add some vinegar if you like, it helps break down the potassium carbonate fouling.

Check the patches after you fire the rifle, they should look like they could almost be reused.

Practice, practice, practice.