Bullets???

[blacknwhite]

I just purchased and have been breaking in a new 24" Encore 22-250 barrel and have a question about what bullets are best. The twist rate is 1:12 and I have been shooting the Winchester 45 grain HP (factory ammo) so far. My problem is that they are not shooting groups that are very impressive (over 1 inch and 2 inch for some groups). I know that every barrel is different as far as favorite loads but what have you guys had good luck with? Im sure someone on this forum has the exact same barrel...Also have any of you noticed your TC barrels getting more accurate the more rounds you put down the tube? I have now shot 29 rounds and the groups seem to be getting a little better as I go??? Thanks

[DEACONLLB]

In reading posts on some of the hot loads it seems that in order to get a good group you need to let the barrel cool between shots.
I have a Ruger number one in the same cal. and with 3 shots in a row the barrel is very warm and would say with around 6 fast shots it would be to warm to hold for very long. There are also some post on seasoning the new barrel. You might look up some of those on the forum.
Deaconllb

[Lone Star]

Barrels should be "broken in" but few shooters are patient enough to do it.  IME it does make a difference.  As the barrel is shot, clean it every round for 5-10, then every 5 or so.  What you are doing is allowing the bullets to wear off any burrs remaining from the rifling process by keeping the bore free from fouling.  You will likely find that the more you shoot it, the better the barrel will group.  As stated, it can make a big difference letting the barrel cool off between groups.

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[OLDHandgunner]

My son had the same problem with his new Encore 22-250 barrel. We were loading my favorite 55 gr loads for it and the first 2 shots would be in same hole then the group would open up. Had him start cleaning the barrel after 1 or 2 shots. Told him to space his shots apart by a couple of minutes. Now after 50 rds or so through the barrel and with spacing out his shots he is shooting ragged hole groups. Years ago I never broke in a barrel on a new gun. Seems now most of the new barrels have to be broken in.
And I agree with [ Lone Star ]. Most shooters don't have the patience to do it, but I see now it does make a difference. I've had to change my OLD way of thinking and it didn't really hurt that bad.
               

[skb2706]

You question regarding bullet. No way to know but consistently I have found that a 52 gr. Hornady Amax will shoot well in all of my .22 cal rifles.
I am of the other school that doesn't do barrel break in/seasoning/whatever. Its not possible to "see  the difference"...no way to do both objectively to the same barrel. I shoot and clean, shoot and clean but mostly shoot. One gun subject that never seems to have anyone on the fence, they either do or they do not. If I were inclined to (and I have) it would be factory barrels as most custom jobs are quite well finished in the bore.

[Lone Star]

...If I were inclined to (and I have) it would be factory barrels as most custom jobs are quite well finished in the bore.

And yet virtually every high-end custom barrel maker definitely recommends a break-in period.....   


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[skb2706]

Whats your point.

Shilen clearly states the only reason they have a break procedure is because their customers requested one. They never say anywhere they suggest it.

[Lone Star]

Hart, Pac-Nor and Lilja all recommended a break-in procedure the last time I bought their barrels.  So what if Shilen disagrees - I guess that makes then un-virtual?  It does nothing to change my post.  Sheesh. 



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[skb2706]

You breakin it in for their benefit or yours ?

Matters not to me it only proves there are two very clear schools of thought.