Hey Dream2Jet
I know someone doing the CBIR route, my understanding is that essentially you can credit up to 30 hours of Insturment experience towards the CBIR. The final 10 hours is completed at an ATO along with the practical test.
For holders of an UK IR (Restricted) formely known as the IMC Rating:
When the applicant has completed instrument flight instruction provided by an IRI(A) or an FI(A) holding the privilege to provide training for the IR; or
Holds prior flight time under IFR as PIC on aeroplanes, under a rating providing the privileges to fly under IFR and in IMC-these hours may be credited towards the 40 hours above up to maximum of 30 hours,
I'm fairly certain as well that a minimum of 25 hours of the Instrument time has to be dual instruction.
If you have access to an IR capable aircraft at a reasonable rate and an instructor willing to teach on it it can be a money saving route.
It is something I am planning to do myself long term.
Hope that helps.