I am the new proud owner of a H&R 1871 Buffalo Classic. This is my first break action rifle, as well as big bore. I was wondering, do i need to go with the same breaking in procedure as other rifles, or just shoot?

I've never had a break in proceedure for any gun !Just keep the bore clean.By the time you've worked up loads and sighted it in you're ready to go.Then you'll find what a great cartridge that is !

I would break it in. Can't hurt and it might help though it is rather time consuming.

The only time I do is when I am breaking in a new rifle in which I expect to get outstanding accuracy. I have the same 45/70 and didn't bother. I still got 5" groups at 200yds with iron sights, my poor eyes, and the terrible trigger..

Back on mute.

Read what Badger Barrels company write about it and do it. You might not notice any differece but its not that much work and better safe than sorry. They know at least as much as any on this board about barrels.

Probably.