Breaking in a rifle questions!

I bought a new rifle (Remmy 700 LVSF 243) on the forum and I'm headed out to shoot it today. How do ya'll break it in? I have always just shot them and then I was told that it was wrong. All my guns shoot better than I can but I still shoot 1-2 inch groups. So what gives??

I think barrel break is largely a myth, but many claim it's crucial.

Here is what Shilen says about barrel break in:

http://www.shilen.com/faq.html#question10

I've read and re-read on this topic in depth while I was putting my savage together. This point from Shilen has come up and, among those who believe that there is a value to "barrel break in" by whatever means, they point out that a hand lapped after market barrel probably does not need at least certain parts of the process (e.g., using abrasive compounds to ease the process, which can actually void the warranty from some barrel makers like Gowen).

Some top national bench rest competitors believe in break processes and in stringent cleaning regimens including regular use of polishes.

My rifle came with a factory barrel, so it was not hand lapped. I chose to go the break-in route. Before even one post-factory shot, I had it polished by my smith since I was out of town. I took it to the range and it took me 2 hours to get the barrel clean after the first round. It took me about an hour after the second round. It took me about 3 patches after the third round. Little by little, over the course of 3 days, groups tightened up, I shot a .46" group with rounds 60 through 65 using only a front rest, and it became easier and easier to get a clean patch. Last weekend I knew I wouldn't be able to go out and shoot so I soaked the barrel for 15 minutes using Butches and a plug. Afterwards, I ran a patch through it that came out with only a trace of copper on it and no carbon.

Other people do nothing to break in they get 1/2" groups after they run a few rounds down the tube. Sometimes 5, sometimes upwards of 100 on a brand new barrel before it starts to shoot right.

Well, with that said I guess I'll wait until this weekend to mess with it. Thanks for the advise.

I have Rem CDL that I brok in by cleaning after first shot, then after the next 5 shots, and after each use now. I believe I have around 40 shots threw it now and not real impressed. I have shot 150 grn Fed blue box, 165 grn Fed prem Sierra BTSP, and 180 grn Rem core-lokt all with about 3" groups. The 150 grn Fed blue box did seem to group the best. I was thinking I should go with a better 150 grn like Hornady light-mags maybe? So I am asking is it going to get better after more rounds fired down the barrel?

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I have Rem CDL that I brok in by cleaning after first shot, then after the next 5 shots, and after each use now. I believe I have around 40 shots threw it now and not real impressed. I have shot 150 grn Fed blue box, 165 grn Fed prem Sierra BTSP, and 180 grn Rem core-lokt all with about 3" groups. The 150 grn Fed blue box did seem to group the best. I was thinking I should go with a better 150 grn like Hornady light-mags maybe? So I am asking is it going to get better after more rounds fired down the barrel?

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It may not be your barrel or your ammo. Remington's tend to need to be accurized before they shoot well. You may have to glass bed the action and free float the barrel to get good groups.