Brakes and accuracy- opinions

[constructor]

I am not a benchrest guy I shoot tactical at ranges of 800 and 900 yards at times and shoot off packs and bipods. I have my opinions on the effect brakes have but, I'd like to hear some opinions of the people here that deal with extreme accuracy.
Some of the rifles have a recoil similar to the 308 and can weigh from 9lbs to 14lbs.

 

[vmthtr]

MB do not hurt accuracy if instaled correctly and often times help it. I have brakes on all my Varmint rifles, even my 223 AI.

Mike

 

[jb77]

I have a brake on my custom 22-250 so I can spot my shots it's very effective. This rifle shoots into the .2's when I do my part.I am sure that it is capable of better accuracy because I don't have the best benchrest techniques.

I come from a background of shooting off bipods,rucks or various other field improvised rests. I really like being able to see bullet strikes and the brake allows this.

 

[Rust]

While I am not entierely sure that the installation of muzzle brakes on several rifles has actually improved the accuracy of the rifle, it has certainly improved my ability to shoot some of those rifles accurately.

Case in point, a 700 Sendero-SF in .338 RUM. Without the brake accuracy was very good, typically 1/2 moa with the caveat "if I could control the recoil of the rifle". Obviously recoil from the RUM in that light a rifle is significant and a consistant hard hold takes considerable technique and muscle. Fire forming fifty cases in one sitting was a bear.

So I had a Vaid brake installed and it reduced the recoil considerably making the handling much easier and while the rifle may not in fact be more accurate, it is much easier to shot consitantly and accurately. Best five shot group during load developement with the brake was five shots into .379" at 100.

But don't think that the brake removed all of the recoil, it is still stout, just not as brutal as it was. And the rifle is still at the original weight so just the bullet moving down the bore tries to torque the rifle over to the same degree as before.

So, IMO a brake does not improve accuracy, it improves the ability of the shooter to shoot accurately and consistantly. Assuming the brake is installed properly, seen them butchered and offset so they would shave the jacket each shot too.

 

[constructor]

Thanks for the input, let me add What type of brakes are good and which are bad? linear type, Cooley, Miculek

 

[alf]

I've had Vais, Harrell's, and a KDF.
My new favorite is Holland's.
Very effective.

Al.

 

[groupshooter22]

I Have a hollands quick discharge brake on my 22-250 and all but eliminated recoil. The gun only moves About 1 - 1.5 Inches straight back when shot from bench.