[skamins1]

Just picked up my Marlin 925 in .22lr, planning on taking it shooting tomorrow. This is my first rifle, so I have a quick question. Do I need to break in the barrel? If so can someone point me in the direction where I could find that process? Thanks to all of ya.

[IGETEVEN]

The 22lr being soft lead or soft lead plated so the barrel doesn't break in like a centerfire. Find some good ammo it likes and shoot it.

Cleaning a 22lr firearm can change the point of impact until the barrel picks up more lube from the bullets. You can test this by firing one brand of ammo then switch to another brand and until the bullet lube coats the barrel the bullets will usually impact to a different point for the first few rounds. I only clean the bore when accuracy starts to constantly go bad, but again this is just my opinion and experience.

Jack

[canebrake]

Go out and buy one 50 round box of each brand you can find. Try to get at least 10 different manufacturers.

Take a note pad and pen with you along with plenty of targets.

Record everything, weather, distance, ammo and on and on.....

Shoot everything you have!

Results:

1. Your Marlin WILL be broken in!
2. You will "know" your gun intimately!
3. You will know if the trigger needs work.
4. You will know what a FTF/FTE, stove pipe, misfire and a dud means!
5. DO NOT salvage any FTF/FTE and misfire rounds. Let them get swept up with the other range junk!
6. Hopefully you won't find out what a squib is!
7. Your Marlin will tell you what ammo it likes!
8. You will not have any junk ammo bouncing around your safe!
9. Should you find new, untried ammo in the future, only buy a 50/rd box and shoot it up before you do any bulk buying.
10. You will now be able to go out and purchase the ammo your Marlin demands.

[ICU]

Originally Posted by canebrake

Go out and buy one 50 round box of each brand you can find. Try to get at least 10 different manufacturers.

Take a note pad and pen with you along with plenty of targets.[/LIST]

Great tip Cane, thanks so much. That's exactly what I'm in the process of right now, gathering my ammo for my first trip to the range with my new (used) marlin, so I do know just what it likes. Now I don't feel so bad about not getting to the range my fors day of having it! hahaha

[skamins1]

Thanks guys, I'm heading out to the range today, I have a couple 50/rd boxes, I'll stop on my way and pick up a few more

[big shrek]

Avoid Remington Golden Bullet and Thunderbolts
AKA the Golden BullS#!tski & Thunderduds.
Squibs, short powder loads, all sorts of lousy mfr'ing.
I only use 'em in single-action revolvers for plinking practice if someone accidently gives me a box.

While on .22lr's you don't tend to clean the barrel as often, you DO have to clean the action after every range visit.

[spittinfire]

I picked up a Marlin 795 not long ago and they don't recommend you clean the bore until it gets wet or gets something in it. The action needs to be cleaned regularly though. Just go shoot the thing and have fun.

[ICU]

Is it going to be senseless to try to test and compare ammo for my gun at an indoor range that is only 25 yards long? Or am I more or less trying to see which ammo it'll eat better and have less inconsistencies with?

[mrt8110]

I like canebrake's style, short and to the point, and he is right!

[cpttango30]

To start make sure you pick up Federal 711b if you can find them. They have shot better in more rifles for me than even tenx from eley.

Agulia also have some good loads out as well a wolf match and super match.