When it comes to breaking in a new .308 Win. rifle barrel with a 1:10 twist rate, opinions can really vary, but I've found a middle ground approach that respects both thoroughness and practicality. Based on various methods I've researched, the process often begins with a cleaning routine, where I would thoroughly clean the bore before shooting. This involves using a quality solvent, a proper bore guide, and a tight-fitting patch on a jag to ensure everything's pristine before any rounds are fired.

After this, I would start with the shoot-and-clean process. I'd fire one to three rounds and then clean the barrel again. The idea here is to slowly smooth out any imperfections from the manufacturing process and remove any copper fouling. I'd do this for the first 10 to 20 shots or so, then gradually increase the number of shots between cleanings to five, then ten. This helps maintain consistent accuracy over the lifespan of the barrel.

For bullet selection, given that the rifle has a 1:10 twist rateideal for stabilizing heavier projectilesI'd start with a 168-grain match bullet. This weight is a sweet spot for many .308 setups geared towards long-range shooting. I'd also consider using 175-grain bullets if the initial testing shows any instability or if I'm looking for potentially better performance at extreme distances.

Once I have my baseline, I'd pay close attention to my groups. If the accuracy isn't quite there, I might try different bullet weights in the heavier range or switch to a monolithic or bonded bullet to see how it performs. The key here is patiencetaking my time through the break-in phase allows me to learn the barrel's quirks and helps in achieving that precise shot consistency I'm aiming for.

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