I can say the barrel has been taken care of since I've had it. I'm not sure whether the previous owner even knew what a proper barrel break-in was but I don't think that two boxes of factory ammo would hurt a barrel. I followed the procedure that I always do; shoot and clean after every shot for the first 10-15 shots, then clean after every three shot group for the next 21 shots. Then clean after every 15-20 shots, thereafter let accuracy, or lack there of, dictate cleaning. Never let the barrel get hot with at least 3 minutes between shots (more on warmer days).
I have not had a lot of luck getting the 168gn VLD's to shoot in this rifle. If I had approached load development with this bullet more methodically the results may have been better. The powders with their respective accuracy (and bullet) that I have tried are;
H4831SC/.8" (168gn SMK/only about 20 bullets)
RL22/.3835" (150gn NBT)
VihtaVuori N560/1.0" (154gn Hornady SST)
RL22/.4525" (140gn TSX; 6 rds)
IMR7828/1.0" (168gn VLD)
Retumbo/.906" (168gn VLD)
RL22/1.0" (168gn VLD)
ViVu N560/.2935" (168gn VLD).
I tried the last load again 3 weeks after the initial testing and got a .7" group. This testing was done in December, in Washington state. The day of the first test it was 32 deg. with scatter snow showers, the second test it was between 50-60 deg. and sunny. Temperature and humidity surely played havoc with load development.
I'm currently getting sub .5" groups with 150gn NBT and IMR4350/9.5M OAL:2.6735". Velocity is averaging 3199fps and I shot a 4.5" group at 560yds with this load. The trigger is factory and runs about 3lbs. I had planned on putting a Rifle Basix on it if I kept it. Will get pictures ASAP. JohnnyK.