I just picked up a new 700 ADL in 30-06. I have heard that I need to break it in. Shoot once, clean, repeat.

Is this true? If so, how exactly do you guys break in your rifles?

Thanks,
Jim

Some people go through that process you detailed...some don't.

I field strip all new firearms when I first get them home, checking them over throughly...removing any factory grease or whatever, then lightly lube according to the manufacturers instructions.

After that, a trip to the range...where I shoot one cartridge, then clean...shoot two, then clean, all the way up to five and clean. That's just me tho...

Thanks for the advice. When you say clean, do you use solvent each time or just run an oil patch/dry patch through the barrel a few times?

I use a wet patch first time i am cleaning a new rifle also.It removes any debri that may be in the barrell/action from manufacturing.Also like shooter 13 suggested,break the rifle down and give a once over with a cloth with a little oil on it just to be sure. It will also help to familiarize you with your new rifle.

I emailed Remington. This was the response:

Use a good quality cleaning rod, a good quality bronze brush and patch tip, flannel patches and quality bore solvent. (I recommend the use of Remington Brite Bore Cleaner & Rem Oil).

INSTRUCTIONS:

For the first 20 shots, you should do the following:

For the first 10 shots, run a patch saturated with Rem Oil through the bore after each of the first 10 shots, and follow up with a patch saturated with Remington Brite Bore, and finally a clean patch to remove all residue.

For each of the next 10 shots, run a patch saturated with Rem Oil through the bore after every two shots, and follow up with a patch saturated with Remington Brite Bore, and finally a clean patch to remove all residue. Now follow the cleaning guidelines below:

To ensure the highest possible barrel quality/life, you should repeat this cleaning procedure every 20-25 shots until the barrel has had at least 100 rounds through it. Failure to do so could result in excessive build up of fouling (copper/lead deposits) in the bore causing decreased accuracy and requiring more frequent cleaning between shots.

1.) Saturate a patch with Rem Oil, run the patch thru the bore 5 times to remove powder residue, fouling and to “wet” the bore. Toss the patch when done with this step.
2.) Saturate a new clean patch with Remington Brite Bore Cleaner, run that patch thru the bore (from breech end ONLY, requires removal of bolt on bolt action rifles) and make 20 passes through the barrel (10 Cycles) – patch should be wrapped around the bore brush, toss patch when done.

3.) Saturate a new patch with Rem Oil, run patch in bore 5 times and let soak in the barrel for 10-20 minutes, you can use a patch tip vs. bore brush for this step.

4.) Saturate the bare brush with Remington Brite Bore Cleaner. Make 20 passes (10 Cycles) thru the bore.

5.) Saturate a new patch with Rem Oil and run patch in bore 5 cycles, let soak in bore for 10 minutes.

6.) Push 3 clean patches on a patch tip or around the bore brush thru the barrel to remove excess solvent and Rem Oil. (run a light coat of Rem Oil through the bore on a clean patch if you are going to store the rifle for any length of time).

Barrel cleaning is now complete.

I run a dry brush through the barrel after each of the first 10 shots, the after every 3rd shot for the life of the barrel, then thoroughly clean after each range session or hunting season.

I wound up doing what the folks at Remington suggested. The gun is accurate. . Shoots great! My rifle season is over. Going to give it a good cleaning today. Happy Thanksgiving!