Quick Tip: What Is "Breaking In" a New Barrel?
This video from Brownells Gun Techs Steve Ostrem and Caleb Savant explains the process of "breaking in" a new firearm barrel. They detail how microscopic burrs in newly machined rifling can be smoothed out by firing bullets, preventing copper fouling and improving accuracy. The video clarifies that this process is most beneficial for cut-rifled and button-rifled barrels, while cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined, or nitrided barrels (common on AR-15s) and pistol barrels generally do not require break-in. Smaller caliber rifles are also noted to benefit more than larger calibers.







