Cletus, yes, as with any semi automatic firearm the manufacturer always recommends a break in period. For the initial break in period they recommend using heavier loads to completely cycle the bolt back, after it's broke in lighter loads will work just fine. I've heard the viper is pretty stiff right out of the box. TriStar recommends 20 heavy load shells to break it in but that sounds rather low, I'd recommend more like 50-75 if it's really stiff maybe even more. Hope this helps.

Cletus, the owners manual does not give a break in recommendation. New guns, made from modern materials and using modern manufacturing techniques, should essentially need no break in period. Nor should they need extensive cleaning prior to shooting. Not every individual auto loader will require a break in to cycle the lightest load possible right out of the box. Many, how ever will benefit from one and for some guns it's a necessity. You won't hurt anything from not breaking the action in with heavier loads. You just may save yourself some frustration if your gun does not cycle light loads right out of the box. Have a great day!

Cletus, yes Sir. 50 rounds or so of Full Power loads, clean and then another half of that many rounds before you start testing the Lighter stuff to see what is reliable across the board. Once reliability is determined for loads then stock up. Cheers and stay safe!