Editor: Many shooters believe there is no point in “break-in” for a good custom barrel. Just start your load development with the bullets you will uses for the intended purpose — competition or hunting.

One three-groove SS barrel I purchases shot a 0.168 three-shot group rounds 15-17 through the barrel. I basically used that load, tweaked only for seating depth, for the life of the barrel. No specific break-in procedure other than wet and dry patches every 4 rounds for a dozen.