ORIGINAL: Pioneer2
I don't know if this is typical or is there a break in period for new barrels?I tried both .530 and .535 dia. balls starting at 80grs. with 2F 777 ,wad and various size patches,swabbing every three shots.Well both sizes gave 3-4" groups at 50yards untilI reached 110gr! So much for a target barrel but it should also be sudden death for any big game hit with it.Not sure of the velocity and never bothered going higher.When cleaning do you remove and oil the cleanout plug as there is one on the side and looks like a threaded one on the top of the breach as well.It is the old style barrel with out fiber optic sights but as luck would have it was loose along with one thimble from the factory.I tightened the sight before I started testing.Should I have began at a lighter load? .............Harold
Yes there is a breakin period for new barrels.None of my Green Mountain barrels shot worth a durn until about 20 shots.Then they started to group.They only get better as you shoot more.Some people say 200 shots to break in a barrel.If your burning patches up it won'tdo worth a flip.My .54 turns them to cinders above 70 grs. of 2F 777 without something between the patch and the powder.I would just shoot with 70 grs. and .530 balls with .018 patches til you use up the pound of powder your shooting now.My .54 Green mountain barrel likes .530 balls, .020 pactches,15 grs of cornmeal,100 grs. of 2F 777.