Barrel break in

[running&gunning]

I just bought an cva optima.  When you first start sighting in with a new muzzle loader is there a break in procedure.  Do you season the barrel or anything prior to shooting.  Do you clean after each shot when it is first new.  When sighting in do you wait until the barrel is completely cooled down between shots.  Please give me some advice From start to finish for a new muzzle loader.  I had a t/c thunderhawk that neever really gruoped well and I tried many different things with it.  I was thinking maybe I did something wrong and did not break it in proprley.  Or do you run a swab down it and just shoot it.  Thanks for any info

[savageT]

Break-in is pretty much up to you and the individual gun you buy.  If you have trouble loading (tight bore) or poor grouping, try cleaning it well (try J-B Bore Compound and Kroil) to smooth up the bore. Clean well following the J-B and Kroil. Then its all about finding a correct powder amount and good sabot/bullet combination.

I wouldn't fall into the bore seasoning BS as they talk about with borebutter or wonderlube.  Cleaning can be as simple as hot water and soap, rinse and followed up with an alcohol/Windex swab to dry, and Ballistol to oil it up.  If you decide to use real (petroleum based) oil then remember to clean well with alcohol or windex before loading again.

Good Luck!
Jim

[savageT]

PART II....just a follow-up to the first post on your break-in question.  Sometimes with a new barrel you will find the manufacturer uses a pretty tough anti-rust treatment in the new bore.  I find that most cleaning solvents won't touch it, without repeated applications of alcohol or solvent. so I recommend going to Wal-Mart and picking up a bottle or spray can of Brake Cleaner.  That will clean that bore Lickity-Split!!!  Just be very, very careful as that stuff smells to high heaven and will ruin the finish on most stocks and melt plastic as well.  If you can, disassemble the gun barrel and clean it outside.

Good Luck,
Jim