• If you are being asked to change your password, and unsure how to do it, follow these instructions. Click here

Cooling a barrel 🤔

1620480510663.jpeg

These work really well, I have a couple of them on my match barrels and F class rifles. Had to slap one on my 28 nosler proof barrel because it was heating up so fast after 3 shots. Best part is you'll know what the temp is outside!
 
I live in AZ. Shoot from 35° to 115°.
My cooling method is 3 shots, then let cool to ambient temp by shooting other rifles. I usually take 4 to 5 rifle each trip. Hard to shoot more than 3 rounds from each rifle in the 15 minute timed live fire session. Then a 15-20 minute cease fire. Giving approximately 25-30 minutes of cool down time between strings.
If I am shooting LR, same situation. Shoot 3, then let cool by shooting other rifles.

As for break-in, my routine is as follows:
For a custom barrel:
Clean when new
1. Shoot 1
2. Repeat
I have had new custom barrels go 350 rounds before I cleaned them the first time.

For a factory barrel:
Clean when new.
1. Shoot 1
2. Repeat for up to 20 first session
3. Clean
4. Shoot until groups opens up
^^^This!^^^ I, too, used to live in Tucson, AZ from 1992-1996. At a minimum, I always have .22 LRs, even here in MT. Now, I am going to start taking my Sig Sauer air rifle with 30-rounder mags with me. 😇
 
Live in Az also, Wally World battery air mattress pump, hose and an old bore guide. Cools a barrel safely and quickly. Once at the range saw a guy rapidly shoot 20+ rounds from a 30-06, reached in his ice chest and throw a wet icy towel over the barrel. Ouch
 
Just shoot and clean, not with abrasive bullets i know some guys use JB bore paste on the throat but I dont
Thanks, I hate cleaning rifles with a passion anymore, I'll fast track a cleaning job with Witches Brew today, but I am not overly aggressive in the process.
 
Live in Az also, Wally World battery air mattress pump, hose and an old bore guide. Cools a barrel safely and quickly. Once at the range saw a guy rapidly shoot 20+ rounds from a 30-06, reached in his ice chest and throw a wet icy towel over the barrel. Ouch
That's how you're supposed to harden your barrel. It's called the "range quench".😉
 
There are an infinite amount of discussions on barrel break in. Everyone seems to have there own opinion on it. I have tried most methods and didn't notice a difference either way.
My current process is:
-Clean new barrel
-start load development, about 20-30 shots
-come home, clean barrel
-continue load development, 20-30 shots
-come home, clean barrel
-i now consider my barrel "broken in" and clean every couple hundred rounds or as needed.
 
Last edited:
Live in Az also, Wally World battery air mattress pump, hose and an old bore guide. Cools a barrel safely and quickly. Once at the range saw a guy rapidly shoot 20+ rounds from a 30-06, reached in his ice chest and throw a wet icy towel over the barrel. Ouch

The wet towel is an old one, used it for many years and it never damaged the barrel.

When shooting silhouette matches at 100+ degrees and only have one or two relays, blowing air through the barrel won't cut it. A wet towel with icy cold water always works, havent seen anything work as fast.
 
Top