Brake or Port?

[StraightPipes]

I need to tame a 300 wsm bolt gun. Some brakes have been said to affect accuracy due to improper bore diameters. I dont hear of shooters using the "port" method very much these days. Do you remember"Magnaport"?

If you had a choice, which way would you go on this? Myself, I see alot of different brakes on the line compared to porting. If the brake is the way to go, which brake "WORKS" and who would you have do the work? Or, would you port the barrel instead?

 

[therifler]

I sent you a PM but brake is for recoil reduction porting is for barrel jump . T.R.

 

[StraightPipes]

Rifler, good you bring this up. What do you say about "brakes" affecting accuracy? Some work some do not? Would a brake not help with muzzle jump?

PM sent

 

[StraightPipes]

I dont expect a brake to do both, well maybe!!!!!!! Therifler is on to me here, need you guys to hit me with both barrels here. Therifler and I are talking.

Highjacking is allowed!!!

 

[LHSmith]

Some points to consider:
A port is permanent. A brake can be reused on a replacement bbl (same cal./ contour)
A brake can be removed and a clone (unported extension) can be threaded on the bbl in it's place.(this will win back your shooting buds and put you in good favor with your hunting guide)
If I would be in the market for one I would choose a Vias due to form, fit and function.
From what I have heard, most rifles tend to shoot more accurately with the brake installed.

 

[NateHaler]

If you can't handle the recoil, get a lighter recoiling chamber or a heavier rifle. I hate brakes and ports. WAY LOUD.

You have one set of ears. As do all of us who you shoot alongside.

As to accuracy, it sure won't be improved by a brake or port, unless you are a flincher. In which case, use less cartridge.

You wanted more opinions, you got one. ;D

 

[NateHaler]

From what I have heard, most rifles tend to shoot more accurately with the brake installed.

Do tell. Where is one legitimate comparison of this idea?

 

[kjcpoint]

If you need a brake, use Vias they run straight and work well. Better yet take Nates advise and get a caliber that doesnt tear you. 260?

 

[LHSmith]

From what I have heard, most rifles tend to shoot more accurately with the brake installed.

Do tell. Where is one legitimate comparison of this idea?

OK, purely anecdotal, but from what I have heard, most who have Vias brakes installed, are able to shoot smaller groups as compared to before the brake was installed. Could it be a result of the Brake reducing "felt" recoil? I believe so.

 

[Ackman]

Brakes work a lot better than porting. Accuracy...... I've had several guns that were shot before and after brakes were installed, .223/.22BR/.22-250AI/6BR/.243. All shoot very well. I'll say with absolute certainty that brakes did not make them less accurate and if anything, improved accuracy.

 

[McKinneyMike]

Yes brakes are loud and others at the range will feel (hear} them as being louder. Everyone should be wearing ear protection at all times, period.
I would not fire a large caliber rifle without a muzzle brake personally, as they allow me to shoot more accurately at great distances, for more extended sessions. Lesser recoil firearms are always a choice, but depending upon the game, it might not be the correct answer. The muzzle brake levels the playing field to allow recoil to be much less of an issue. I see no down side to a muzzle brake. Wear good hearing protection.
If you do not like muzzle brakes, simply do not use them, but please do not dictate what people should or should not do. To each their own. It is what makes us a great country.

 

[TerryPohl]

Mike said a mouth full and I agree 100%. I am a smaller man and hunt with a 300UM and can take the kick. But I shoot brk's. on all my bench guns and use hearing protectio as all of us should be doing.
Terry Pohl

 

[Preacher]

A Harrells brake cost $30.00 and work as good as any do......
Never hurt accuracy a bit either...

 

[TheBlueEyedBear]

I have a VAIS brake on a couple guns and a HARRELL's brake. Both are excellent with the advantage going to the Harrell's being only 33% of the cost of a VAIS.

 

[sport]

good post i learned something new today.
thank-you
sport

 

[blawton]

Porting is not the answer in any way. When its done you must cut the rifling out and you risk affecting the lands alot. A threaded brake is the only way to go. I have seen very very few that affect accuracy poorly and many that have no effect or even help. Most of the time you just have a different point of impact.

I have played with this idea in many ways looking for that extra edge in BR comps. Some rifle it will help and some it will not. I have found that the ammount of torque they are put on with can make a difference but only to the br shooter. Barrel jump and rifle torque can be calmed alot by using the correct brake on a rifle. Yes its much louder but for me i like the advantages alot more then the disadvantages.

 

[StraightPipes]

To all, thank you!

I find it a pleasure to ask questions and to have them answered by shooters. Yes, there are a bunch on 6mmBR.

 

[McKinneyMike]

I have a VAIS brake on a couple guns and a HARRELL's brake. Both are excellent with the advantage going to the Harrell's being only 33% of the cost of a VAIS.

My only issue with the Vias Brake is if you shoot prone, they will blow all kinds of dirt, rock and sand into your face. I prefer a side ported muzzle brake for this reason. I do think that they are more effective at reducing recoil on larger caliber rounds too.

 

[fdshuster]

Cannot speak about anyone elses experience with muzzle brakes, but I had one fitted to a Tikka 308 last Fall. Got tired of getting beat up with recoil off the bench. Accuracy went into the toilet, from 2", 5 shot groups at 300 yds. to 6" with the same match ammo. Bore dia. of the brake was opened up .010" ( .005" on each side of the bullet), and groups immediately shrunk to under 2" (enough to be noticable), w/ 5 shots at 300 yd. using the identical ammo. In addition to that, ammunition/load combinations that were mediocre without the brake, are now smaller also. When on the range, with others, I will caution them about the noise, and do everything I can to be a "good neighbor". If the range is crowded, I do not use the brake.

 

[Preacher]

Frank... How big was the exit hole diameter before you opened it up ??
I usually cut mine to be .020 over the caliber and it has worked out well for me...